SportsShoes.com is developing a creative and tech hub adjacent to its Bradford head office and warehouse facilities, as part of its intention of becoming the world’s most sustainable running equipment retailer by 2025.
The retailer, ranked Top250 in RXUK Top500 research, is investing £2.5m in the 10,750 sq ft building, which is being created by refurbishing an existing warehouse. This move significantly reduces the level of carbon emissions during the process compared to a new build unit. In addition, the building features solar panels on its roof enabling the generation of its own power.
Furthermore, 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, gym is recognised by climbing ladder references in reception and hike by bleacher seating that leads to a social space called Park Life.
Expected to be in use by the end of this year, Unit 2 incorporates collaborative workspaces, quiet working pods, a showroom, meeting rooms, boardroom, photography studio, kitchen and café.
SportsShoes.com managing director, Brett Bannister, said: “Our vision is to have a creative and tech hub that provides the very best environment for our people, brand patrons and suppliers to collaborate and enjoy.
“We are now going to make that vision a reality and deliver an outstanding facility that represents and reflects everything the SportsShoes.com brand stands for.
“Unit 2 will play a fundamental role in enabling our continued expansion. We can’t wait to start working from it and welcoming our people, brand partners, suppliers and new employees to the building.”
Established in 1982, SportsShoes.com offers customers 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, whilst in terms of outdoor they include Haglöfs, Montane, Rab and Patagonia.
