​Kick Game set to open store in Manchester’s Arndale centre

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 26, 2021

Fast-expanding high-end trainers retailer Kick Game is continuing its physical and digital stores growth in its bid to help it achieve revenues of £50 million by 2022.

The rare and exclusive sneaker seller, which secured £3.5 million in extra funding in September, is wasting little time in putting the money to good use. 

The new 1,662 sq ft Manchester Arndale shopping centre store, which opens in early December, becomes its fifth in 12 months. It follows hot on the heels of recent flagship launches at Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre and Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central. The London-based retailer also has stores in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade and Covent Garden.

Further stores are planned across the UK over the next two years, it noted, while Kick Game is also on the European trail, having opened a warehouse in the Netherlands. This will anchor further expansion across the region, particularly in Scandinavia which is its biggest market outside of the UK.

Kick Game is capitalising on the ever-growing demand for rare or limited edition sneakers and streetwear, including Air Jordan, Nike, Yeezy, Off-White, Trapstar, Fear of God Essentials and Supreme.

It also has a strong online presence with nearly 50,000 YouTube subscribers to its channel, which regularly hosts well-known 'sneakerheads' from the world of music and fashion. It also plans to launch a consignment platform to allow customers to resell authenticated, in-demand sneakers.

Co-founded by brothers Robert and David Franks in 2013, the former, who is also COO, said of the latest opening: “Manchester is a hugely diverse city, with people from all walks of life - with different cultures and backgrounds. But, one thing that unites them, is a mutual love of streetwear and sneaker culture.”

The new Manchester store is also in good company, joining recent arrivals Tommy Hilfiger, Canada Goose, Kurt Geiger and sister company Carvela at the M&G Real Estate-owned mall.

Its portfolio director Scott Linard added: “We want to ensure that Manchester Arndale continues to retain its status as the home of leading fashion brands in the region so that it remains an exciting place for all of our customers to visit. 

“The arrival of an ambitious retailer such as Kick Game helps strengthens our position as the premier shopping destination in the North West, especially after recent lettings to a number of other popular high-end fashion brands.”