Key Points
- Footasylum has completed upgrades to its Trafford Centre store in Greater Manchester.
- The reopening is the latest step in the company’s wider UK retail expansion.
- Recent launches have also taken place in Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil.
- The Trafford Centre store spans 17,178 sq ft and is expected to generate 14 local jobs.
- Footasylum says the Trafford Centre is one of its most valuable retail locations because of strong footfall and customer alignment.
- The store will stock major third-party brands including Nike, adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus.
- It will also carry Footasylum-exclusive labels such as Monterrain and Forena.
- Late-night opening hours at the Trafford Centre are expected to give customers longer shopping access.
Trafford (Manchester Mirror) June 30, 2026 – Footasylum has completed upgrades to its uk/local/trafford/">Trafford Centre store in Greater Manchester, marking another stage in its UK retail expansion and reinforcing Manchester and the North of England as a key market for the business.
The reopening comes after recent activity at Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil, showing that Footasylum is continuing to invest in larger, more visible physical stores. The company says the Trafford Centre’s strong footfall, broad retail mix and customer profile make it one of its most valuable sites. The new 17,178 sq ft store is also expected to create 14 local jobs, adding a further economic effect beyond the retail offer itself.
Why does Footasylum see Trafford Centre as a strategic location?
Footasylum’s decision to prioritise the Trafford Centre reflects the site’s position as a major destination shopping centre with high visitor numbers and a mixed retail environment. The business says this setting fits its omni-channel model, which depends on both digital reach and a strong in-store presence.
The company also links the site to its “Defy Ordinary” brand approach, while the Trafford Centre’s “Escape Ordinary” identity supports the same lifestyle-led retail message. That alignment matters because Footasylum is not only selling products, but also presenting a branded shopping experience that connects with its target audience.
What will the new store offer customers?
The upgraded store gives shoppers access to a wide product mix across footwear, sportswear and lifestyle fashion. Major third-party brands available in the store include Nike, adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus.
Alongside those labels, the store will stock Footasylum-owned brands such as Monterrain and Forena. The Trafford Centre’s late-night opening hours also mean customers will be able to shop for longer, which may suit commuters, families and evening visitors.
How does this fit Footasylum’s wider expansion plan?
Footasylum has been steadily building its retail footprint across the UK, with the Trafford Centre reopening following other recent launches in Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil. That pattern suggests a deliberate strategy of investing in larger, high-footfall retail spaces rather than focusing only on online growth.
The company’s emphasis on Manchester and the North of England also shows a regional concentration in its growth plans. By expanding in major northern retail destinations, Footasylum appears to be strengthening its brand presence where it already sees strong commercial momentum.
What does the Trafford Centre bring to the business?
The Trafford Centre offers Footasylum more than a store address; it offers visibility, traffic and a setting that supports experiential retail. With more than 200 shops and restaurants, the centre attracts a wide audience that may be more likely to engage with fashion and sportswear in person.
Footasylum says this kind of environment fits its hyper-local and innovative omni-channel approach. In practical terms, that means the store can act as both a sales point and a brand showcase, helping the business serve customers who still value physical shopping even as online retail remains central.
Background of the development
Footasylum has been expanding its store portfolio in a way that combines new openings with store upgrades. The Trafford Centre revamp follows launches in other important retail locations, including Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil, signalling a broader push into prominent shopping destinations.
The Trafford Centre itself has long been known as one of Greater Manchester’s major retail hubs, with a large customer base and a reputation for destination shopping. For Footasylum, that makes it a logical site for a bigger and more premium store format.
Prediction for customers and the retail market
For customers, the upgraded Trafford Centre store is likely to mean a wider product choice, better brand access and a more polished shopping experience. The longer opening hours may also make it more convenient for shoppers who prefer to visit outside standard daytime trading times.
For the wider retail market, the move suggests that Footasylum believes large physical stores still have a strong role in a digital-first business model. If the Trafford Centre format performs well, it may encourage further investment in similar locations across the North and other parts of the UK.
