JD Sports reviews warehouse space

By Liza Helps Property Editor Logistics Matters

AROUND 200 staff are affected at the company’s distribution centre at Derby Commercial Park where JD Sports signed a 20 year lease with developer Panattoni in July 2021.

A JD Group spokesperson said: "We have entered into a period of consultation with colleagues based at our Derby distribution centre. This is in relation to a review of the Derby distribution centre. 

"We are doing all we can to look after those colleagues impacted and recognise this may be an unsettling time for them."

In its annual report this year JD Sports Chief Executive Officer Régis Schultz noted: “From a geographical point of view, all regions grew revenue in the period other than the UK, which was impacted principally by non-core divestments made over the last two years. UK and ROI revenue declined 8.3% to £3,510.2m.”

“In UK/ROI, the main strategic focus continues to be on improving locations or store size in existing cities and towns.  During the period, we opened 21 new  stores and closed 13, therefore growing our store portfolio by a net eight stores.”

He went on to add that the company had five areas of focus going forward. These include: improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its supply chain, developing its omnichannel proposition further, re-platforming its websites; strengthening its cyber security; and developing its loyalty programme.

The warehouse in Derby known as Derby 515 was built speculatively by Panattoni and pre-let to JD Sports prior to completion. The cross-docked distribution unit, has 56 dock and eight level access doors, as well as a 15m eaves height. It was  built to target a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and an EPC A rating.  There are 218 car parking spaces and parking for 185 trailers. 

Letting agents for the building were Avision Young, CBRE and Burbage Realty. CBRE acted for JD Sports.