JD Sports Fashion
JD Sports Fashion plc, widely recognized as JD Sports, JD, or the JD Group, is a prominent British retailer specializing in sports-fashion and outdoor wear. Established in 1981 by John Wardle and David Makin, the company has its headquarters in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. It has carved out a significant presence in the retail market, both in physical stores and online, with over 3,400 locations as of July 2022.
The company's journey began with a single shop in Bury and expanded rapidly, opening a store in the Arndale Centre in Manchester in 1983. Over the years, JD Sports has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its market position. These include purchasing First Sport from Blacks Leisure Group, acquiring Allsports, and taking over outdoor retailer Go Outdoors. The company also made a significant move into the US market with the acquisition of Finish Line.
JD Sports offers a wide range of products, including clothing, sportswear, and accessories, catering to kids, women, and men. It operates through two main segments: Sports Fashion and Outdoor. The company's product portfolio is diverse, featuring popular brands like Size?, Footpatrol, and Tessuti, as well as operating fitness centers under JD Gyms.
The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The Pentland Group owns a majority stake in JD Sports, holding 55% of the company. As of 2023, JD Sports reported a revenue of £10,125.0 million, with an operating income of £509.8 million and a net income of £226.7 million. The company employs over 51,000 individuals worldwide.
JD Sports Fashion plc has a global footprint, with operations spanning across the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and North America. It has managed to establish a strong brand identity through its extensive product range and strategic partnerships. The company continues to grow and adapt to the changing retail landscape, focusing on customer experience and digital innovation to maintain its competitive edge in the market.