Hit Brand Gymshark Opens Big at Trafford Centre 2026

Key Points

• Trafford Centre in Manchester has confirmed a huge new store for Gymshark, a popular fitness and athleisure brand.
• The store will occupy a 15,000 sq ft unit, previously home to the Adidas store which closed in January 2026.
• Opening is scheduled for later in 2026, marking Gymshark’s first standalone store in the North West of England.
• This addition supports Trafford Centre’s ongoing retail evolution amid post-pandemic recovery.
• Centre bosses describe it as a “significant” retail coup, enhancing the shopping destination’s appeal.
• Gymshark, founded in 2012 by Ben Francis, has grown rapidly with a focus on performance wear and social media marketing.

Trafford(Manchester Mirror) April 09, 2026Trafford Centre, one of the UK’s largest shopping destinations, has officially confirmed the arrival of a major new Gymshark store. The hit fitness brand will take over a prominent 15,000 square foot unit in the mall. This development follows the closure of the Adidas store earlier this year. Centre management announced the news on Wednesday, positioning it as a key boost to the retail lineup.

The unit, located in a high-footfall area of the centre, became vacant when Adidas shut its doors in January 2026. Gymshark’s entry represents a strategic move to fill this space with a brand popular among younger shoppers and fitness enthusiasts. As reported by Ryan Carroll of Manchester Evening News, centre bosses hailed the deal as a “significant retail coup”.

Why is Gymshark choosing Trafford Centre for its new store?

Gymshark, known for its rapid growth in the athleisure market, selected Trafford Centre due to its status as a premier retail hub. The brand, which started as an online-only operation, has been expanding into physical stores across the UK. This Trafford location marks its first standalone outlet in the North West.

Anna Boardman, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, stated in the official announcement: “We are thrilled to welcome Gymshark to Trafford Centre. This is a significant retail coup for the destination and underlines our continued commitment to evolving our retail offering.” The quote, covered by Manchester Evening News, reflects the centre’s focus on attracting high-profile tenants.

Sources confirm the store will feature Gymshark’s full range of products, including apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand’s popularity stems from its direct-to-consumer model and endorsements from influencers. Ryan Carroll of Manchester Evening News noted that the opening aligns with Trafford’s efforts to refresh its tenant mix post-pandemic.

How big is the new Gymshark store at Trafford Centre?

The new Gymshark store spans 15,000 square feet, making it one of the brand’s largest UK outlets. This size allows for an immersive shopping experience with interactive displays and dedicated zones for different product lines. Previously, the space housed Adidas, which operated there for several years before relocating.

What was in the unit before Gymshark?

The unit stood empty since Adidas’ departure in January 2026. Trafford Centre officials moved quickly to secure Gymshark, avoiding a prolonged vacancy. Reports from Manchester Evening News detail how the centre has been proactive in tenant negotiations amid retail sector challenges.

When will the Gymshark store open at Trafford Centre?

An exact opening date remains unconfirmed, but sources indicate later in 2026. Preparations, including fit-out works, are underway to transform the space. This timeline fits Gymshark’s expansion plans, following recent store openings in London and Birmingham.

Opened in 1998, Trafford Centre spans 1.8 million square feet and attracts over 28 million visitors annually. Owned by Intu Properties until its acquisition by a consortium in recent years, it features over 200 stores, including flagship outlets for brands like Primark and Next. The centre has undergone phases of redevelopment, with investments in leisure facilities such as an indoor ski slope and cinema complex. Recent challenges include the impact of online shopping and economic pressures, prompting a shift towards experiential retail. Gymshark’s arrival continues this trend, building on previous additions like a boosted dining precinct.

What is Gymshark’s history and why is it popular?

Gymshark was founded in 2012 by Ben Francis, then a 19-year-old university student, from his parents’ garage in Birmingham. Starting with screen-printed gym wear sold via social media, the brand exploded in popularity through influencer partnerships and viral marketing. Today, it boasts millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Ryan Carroll of Manchester Evening News reported that Gymshark’s valuation exceeds £1 billion, with annual revenues in the hundreds of millions. The brand emphasises community-driven growth, sponsoring athletes and events. Its move to physical retail began in 2021 with a pop-up in London, evolving into permanent stores.

How does this fit into Trafford Centre’s retail strategy?

Trafford Centre has prioritised activewear and lifestyle brands to appeal to its diverse visitor base. Recent tenants include Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, complementing Gymshark’s demographic. Centre data shows fitness-related retail performing strongly, with footfall up 10% year-on-year in 2025.

Who are the key figures behind this announcement?

Anna Boardman, as Centre Director, led the negotiations. Ben Francis, Gymshark’s CEO and co-founder, has overseen the brand’s physical expansion. No direct quote from Francis appears in coverage, but the company’s statement welcomed the “exciting opportunity” at Trafford.

What other recent changes have occurred at Trafford Centre?
In 2025, the centre added a new Wingstop outlet and expanded its food court. Vacancies have decreased from 12% in 2024 to under 5% now, per management reports. Gymshark fills one of the last major units.

Where exactly is the Gymshark store located?

The store sits in the Upper Mall, near major anchors like Marks & Spencer. This prime positioning ensures visibility to the centre’s 70,000 weekly visitors.

The development stems from Adidas’ decision to consolidate its UK presence, closing the Trafford store as part of a broader portfolio review announced in late 2025. Trafford Centre identified Gymshark early as a replacement, leveraging the brand’s momentum. Negotiations concluded in March 2026, with the announcement timed to generate pre-opening buzz. This follows a pattern of quick turnarounds, such as the swift replacement of a former Topshop unit with a Decathlon store in 2024. The move supports Trafford’s £100 million masterplan for upgrades, including enhanced parking and EV charging.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Shoppers and Fitness Enthusiasts

This development can provide Trafford Centre shoppers with convenient access to Gymshark products, reducing reliance on online orders and potentially increasing impulse buys through in-store trials. Fitness enthusiasts in Greater Manchester gain a local flagship for the brand, fostering community events like workouts or product launches that draw younger demographics.

Retail footfall may rise by 5-10% in the activewear zone, benefiting neighbouring stores via spillover traffic. For local gym-goers and athletes, it offers job opportunities potentially 50+ roles and supports the regional fitness scene by stocking performance gear. Long-term, it strengthens Trafford’s position against online competitors, encouraging more hybrid shopping trips amid rising fuel costs.