Step into the Trafford Centre and you’ll quickly notice two sportswear giants staking their claim within walking distance of each other: Sports Direct recently opened a 30,000 sq ft megastore at Trafford Palazzo, while JD Sports operates a flagship store in the main mall. This guide breaks down where to find them, what they offer, and how to make the most of your visit.

Location: Trafford Palazzo, Units A1 & A7, Trafford City, Manchester M17 8AS · Store size: 30,000 sq ft across two floors · Phone: 0343 909 3902 · Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm, Sunday 12pm–6pm · Opening date: 31 March 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact stock availability without checking in-store or online
  • Future changes to opening hours or services
3Timeline signal
  • 31 March 2025: Megastore opens (The Industry Fashion)
4What’s next
  • Click and collect service available at this store
  • Competition with JD Sports Trafford Centre intensifies

Four quick facts that define the store at a glance:

Label Value
Number of floors 2
Store type Megastore
Brand ownership Sports Direct (owned by Frasers Group)
Adjacent complex Trafford Palazzo
Opening date 31 March 2025
Phone number 0343 909 3902
Store size 30,000 sq ft
Opening hours Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 12pm–6pm

Does Trafford have a Sports Direct?

Yes – Sports Direct operates a megastore at Trafford Palazzo, the retail complex linked to the main Trafford Centre. The store opened in late March 2025 and covers two floors.

Where is Sports Direct located in Trafford Centre?

  • Address: Units A1 & A7, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford City, Manchester M17 8AS (Trafford Palazzo official directory)
  • It sits opposite Primark on the upper level (Trafford Palazzo official directory)
  • A footbridge connects Trafford Palazzo to the main Trafford Centre (The Industry Fashion)

What are the store contact details?

  • Phone: 0343 909 3902 (from content plan, confirmed via official directory)
  • Email: not listed publicly

The implication: if you’re heading to Trafford Centre for sportswear, Sports Direct is just a few minutes’ walk from the main mall – easy to combine with other shopping.

Sports Direct’s Trafford Palazzo store offers a massive 30,000 sq ft space, but shoppers must leave the main mall to reach it via the footbridge.

Can you check if something is in stock at Sports Direct?

Yes, you can check stock before visiting, either online or by calling the store directly.

How to check stock online before visiting

  1. Visit the Sports Direct website and search for the product.
  2. On the product page, look for the “Check store availability” feature.
  3. Enter “Trafford Palazzo” or the postcode M17 8AS to see if it’s in stock.

Can you call the store to check stock?

Yes, you can call 0343 909 3902 during opening hours and ask about specific items. A store assistant can check stock on the floor.

The upshot

Online stock check is most reliable for popular trainers and clothing lines; for niche sizes, calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

What this means: for shoppers who want certainty, a quick call is the fastest route – stock data online may not reflect real-time shelf availability.

Use the online store tool for common items, but call the store directly for hard-to-find sizes to avoid wasted journeys.

Is JD Sports and Sports Direct the same shop?

No – they are separate brands under different ownership, with distinct retail strategies. Both have a presence in the Trafford Centre area.

Key differences between JD Sports and Sports Direct

Here is how the two stores compare:

Attribute Sports Direct Trafford Palazzo JD Sports Trafford Centre
Location Trafford Palazzo (linked by footbridge) Unit L12, 48 Regents Crescent, M17 8AP (JD Sports store locator)
Store size 30,000 sq ft over two floors Flagship store (size not publicly specified)
Opening hours Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 12pm–6pm (Trafford Palazzo official directory) Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 12pm–6pm (Trafford Centre directory)
Phone 0343 909 3902 0161 747 5083 or 0161 748 4848 (JD Sports)
Focus Value, bulk discounts, multi-brand (includes USC and Game) Fashion-led sportswear, premium brands
Click and collect Yes Yes

Which store is better for your needs?

Upsides

  • Sports Direct: lower prices, wider range of budget brands, large footwear selection
  • JD Sports: trendier styles, exclusive releases, better for fashion-focused shoppers

Downsides

  • Sports Direct: less premium ambiance, can feel crowded
  • JD Sports: higher prices, smaller store than Sports Direct megastore
The trade-off

Budget shoppers get more floor space and discounts at Sports Direct; style seekers save time at JD Sports, which sits right inside the main Trafford Centre.

The pattern: both are owned by retail groups (Frasers Group owns Sports Direct; JD Sports Fashion PLC owns JD) – they compete head-to-head in the same catchment.

JD Sports offers convenience and fashion, while Sports Direct provides scale and value; your choice depends on whether speed or budget matters more.

Does Sports Direct not do click and collect?

Sports Direct does offer click and collect, and the Trafford Palazzo store supports it.

How does Sports Direct click and collect work?

  1. Order online and select “Click & Collect” at checkout.
  2. Choose Trafford Palazzo as your collection point.
  3. Wait for an email confirmation that your order is ready (usually within 4 hours).
  4. Bring your order confirmation and ID to the store.

Is click and collect available at Trafford Centre?

Yes, the Trafford Palazzo store participates. Collection is available during store opening hours.

What this means: click and collect gives shoppers the convenience of reserving items without paying extra delivery fees, especially for bulky footwear or multiple items.

Reserve online and pick up at the Trafford Palazzo store – ideal for securing bulky items or multiple orders without delivery charges.

What shops are in Trafford Shopping Center?

Major anchor stores at Trafford Centre

  • Selfridges, John Lewis, Primark, Marks & Spencer, Next – all in the main centre.
  • Trafford Palazzo also houses USC, Game (both Frasers Group brands), and Nike Factory Store.

Sports Direct’s position among other retailers

Sports Direct is in Trafford Palazzo, which is connected to the main mall but forms its own zone. This positioning puts it close to other value retailers like Primark and Nike Factory Store, reinforcing its budget-friendly image. JD Sports, by contrast, sits in the main centre alongside higher-end fashion stores.

The catch: if you’re coming for a one-stop sportswear shop, Sports Direct’s megastore offers more square footage than JD Sports – but you’ll be walking an extra 3 minutes from the main atrium.

The Trafford Palazzo zone groups budget-friendly stores, while the main mall hosts premium brands; plan your route accordingly.

Clarity check: confirmed vs unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Store is open and operational
  • Phone number 0343 909 3902
  • Opening hours as listed on Trafford Palazzo website
  • Click and collect service is offered by Sports Direct

What’s unclear

  • Exact stock availability for specific items without checking in-store or online
  • Future changes to opening hours or services

The key takeaway: most information is confirmed, but stock levels vary.

Perspectives from the industry

“Sports Direct has opened a 30,000 sq ft store across two floors at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo.”

The Industry Fashion (trade publication)

“Sports Direct is located on two floors opposite Primark.”

Trafford Palazzo official directory

Both sources confirm the store’s size and location, aligning with the official directory information.

Summary

For Manchester shoppers, the choice between Sports Direct Trafford Palazzo and JD Sports Trafford Centre comes down to one thing: what you prioritise. If deep discounts and a massive footwear wall matter most, the megastore at Trafford Palazzo wins. If you want the latest Nike Tech Fleece or a quick in-and-out trip without leaving the main mall, JD Sports is your stop. Either way, the Trafford Centre sportswear cluster now offers two distinctly different options – both within a 5-minute walk of each other.

Frequently asked questions

How many Sports Direct shops are there in the UK?

Sports Direct operates over 400 stores across the UK and Ireland (company data).

Is the Trafford Centre the biggest mall in the UK?

No, it is the third largest, behind Westfield London and Manchester’s Arndale Centre.

What did Sports Direct used to be called?

It was originally established as Sports Direct in 1982 by Mike Ashley; no previous name.

What are the opening times for Sports Direct Trafford Centre?

Monday–Saturday 10am–10pm, Sunday 12pm–6pm (Trafford Palazzo official directory).

What is the phone number for Sports Direct Trafford Centre?

0343 909 3902.

Is there a Sports Direct in Manchester Arndale?

No, the closest Sports Direct store is at Trafford Palazzo; the Arndale Centre has a JD Sports instead.

What other stores are near Sports Direct in Trafford Centre?

Primark, Nike Factory Store, USC, Game, and footbridge access to Selfridges and John Lewis.