Sportshoes.com open £2.5m tech hub

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 17, 2023

SportsShoes.com has opened its new 10,750 sq ft creative and tech hub adjacent to its Bradford head office and warehouse facilities. The £2.5 million investment is part of the online running shoe/clothing and outdoor gear retailer’s ongoing strategic growth plan.

Called simply Unit 2, the hub is a refurbished manufacturing warehouse accommodating 100 people over two floors, housing its digital, marketing, commercial and management teams.

It embodies the ethos of the brand providing an immersive, collaborative experience, it said.

The interior concept is based on the run, gym and hike elements of the business. Running is represented by a racetrack and trainer tree for display; the gym aspect is recognised by climbing ladder references in reception; and hiking by bleacher seating that leads to a social space called Park Life.

It also incorporates quiet working pods, a showroom, meeting rooms, boardroom, photography studio, kitchen and café.

Externally, the building features stealth lighting and new windows that flood the mezzanine with natural light to help reduce energy demands.

SportsShoes.com managing director, Brett Bannister, said: “It was our vision to have a creative and tech hub that provides the very best environment for our people and brand partners to collaborate and enjoy.

“Unit 2 is just that and is a truly outstanding facility and reflects the innovative, creative streak we have here."
 
He added that the completion comes shortly after celebrating its 40th anniversary, “and we’re excited to see how it will help drive us forward over the coming years to enable our continued expansion” backing up its stated intention of “becoming the world’s most sustainable running equipment retailer by 2025”. 
 
Founded in 1982, SportsShoes.com offers more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands. From a running perspective these include Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka and New Balance and for outdoor names include Haglöfs, Montane, Rab and Patagonia.