JD Sports is to enter the Middle East through the signing of its first franchise agreement.
The deal with Dubai based GMG will enable the sports fashion retailer to open around 50 stores in the region by 2028, with a focus on locations in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt.
The move forms part of JD’s global growth strategy that was announced by JD’s chief executive Régis Schultz at the company’s capital markets event in February this year as it looks to expand into underpenetrated markets.
GMG has a wealth of experience in sports and fashion retailing through its portfolio of more than 500 GMG Sports stores across seven concepts, including its global flagship brand, Sun and Sand Sports.
JD is planning to open between 200 and 300 new stores each year over the next five years.
