Champion arrives in Manchester with the opening of its new concept store at Manchester Arndale

Champion will open a new concept store at Manchester Arndale this March, bringing its sportstyle heritage and a community-focused retail space to the heart of the city.

The global apparel brand officially opened the store on Thursday 12th March on the first floor of the centre, following the signing of a long-term lease for a 2,045 sq ft space.

The store introduces an evolved retail concept grounded in Champion’s century-long legacy. Widely recognised as the brand that invented the hoodie and helped shape modern sportstyle, the space reflects a modern interpretation of that heritage through a design language influenced by urban street culture and industrial environments.

Materials including natural iron, concrete-effect finishes and wood are combined throughout the store in a coherent, considered way, creating a space that feels both raw and elevated. Structural elements and material choices bring a stronger sense of depth and mood to the environment, while maintaining a clear focus on functionality. The result is a retail space that balances Champion’s athletic roots with a more refined architectural approach.

Beyond retail, the Manchester store has been designed as a community platform. Champion plans a programme of creative workshops, cultural activations and high-energy workout sessions that connect with the city’s sporting and creative identity.

A permanent customisation station will form a key feature of the store, allowing customers to personalise Champion garments through heat patches, transfers and embroidery.

Visitors will be able to shop Champion’s latest collections across performance apparel and everyday sportstyle, alongside a hyperlocal “City Collection” available exclusively in store.

Champion will celebrate the opening with a launch event on Saturday 14th March from 11am to 5pm, led by UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World and Champion athlete Tom Aspinall. Aspinall will officially open the store with a ribbon cutting before taking part in an in-store Q&A, fan meet and greet and product giveaways.

Later in the day, Manchester music collective Habitat will host a takeover featuring DJ sets from AK Gramm, Tone Rarri and Maddeh, alongside a live performance from emerging artist Deedot.

Champion has also partnered with Manchester-based artist Hyo-Isak to create two designs for a run of 200 limited-edition T-shirts available exclusively at the Manchester store. Hyo-Isak will be painting live during the launch event.