Footasylum has signed a new 20-year lease on the ground floor of Exchange Court, with the enlarged space officially opening today, 27 March.
The 18,000 sq ft new-look site is expected to create a raft of new jobs and offer what the business described as a more immersive shopping experience for customers.
The development comes as Footasylum continues to invest in larger-format stores in high-footfall locations, following strong performance from its existing Manchester sites in both the Arndale and Trafford Centre.
To mark the launch, the retailer is hosting a series of community-focused activations involving local DJs, as well as brand partnerships with Slim Chickens, Crep Protect, adidas and Footasylum influencers.
The store will stock a mix of third-party brands including Nike, Asics, Hoka, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum’s own labels such as Monterrain, Forena and Epic Kid.
Howard Tattersall, chief marketing officer at Footasylum, said: “Manchester is at the very heart of Footasylum’s DNA, and our new flagship in the Arndale is a celebration of that heritage.
“This isn’t just about more floor space, it’s about creating an immersive streetwear destination that bridges the gap between our digital community and a physical experience. By doubling our footprint, we’re able to bring the full energy of brands like Monterrain, Forena and Nike to life in a way that resonates with the city’s unique creative spirit.”
Nick Scott, chief financial officer at Footasylum, added that support from Metis Real Estate had been “instrumental” in securing the flagship location.
The new Manchester opening comes as Footasylum also pushes ahead with international expansion plans.
Late last year, the retailer signed a distribution agreement with MAD Agency covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland, before also striking a partnership with Apparel Group to launch stores across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
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