PlayStation 5s, mini-golf and rechargeable benches are just some of the treats to be found in the new techie flagship Sports Direct store at the Arndale. The gigantic sports retailer opened their shiny new five storey store yesterday (March 24).
With a slick and futuristic design combining the best of sports and technology, punters have been left 'mouth open' at the shop which has been designed to keep them "spending more time" in the store. The 50,000 sq ft unit which is the company's third UK 'flagship store' comes with all the variety of athleisure and high street fashion brands you'd come to expect.
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However, Sports Direct have also embraced the growing esports market by having high end next gen consoles like PS5s and Xboxes dotted around the store. As well as this, there is the genuinely impressive gaming arena found on the top floor provided by esports company Belonging.
Found inside videogame retailer Game, shoppers can come in have a go at some of the latest and greatest in gaming played on high end consoles and PCs. The experience is free for the time being but charges will soon come to effect for the arenas that can be booked for things like parties.
Throughout the store there are small 'interactive pods' that act as mini games for shoppers as they make their way around. On the ground floor there is the Jordan basketball performance challenge which has a leader board documenting who in Manchester has the best hops.
Also on the first floor there is a mini golf putting green and a subsoccer table football on the second floor. The perks don't stop there either with a dedicated bra studio where customers will be given advice and fitting from trained staff as well as 3D foot scanners to help a customer find their perfect running shoes.
Speaking about the new store, manager of the Arndale branch, Tony Cobain said: "Every customer has walked in with their mouth open walking around.
"It's the customer interacting with us, spending more time in the store and it being a nicer shopping experience. You're not just grabbing your trainers and going straight out.
"We've got rechargeable benches, the little areas to game, slush machines and sweets, it's a nice area to sit in. I'm so proud of how it's turned out and I'm so proud of the team as well."
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