JD Sports Unveils Vancouver Flagship With Plans for 17 More Stores

JD Sports has opened its first Canadian flagship store on Vancouver’s Robson Street, marking its largest investment in the country and setting the stage for 17 more locations by 2026.

JD Sports has made a major statement in Canadian retail, opening its first flagship store on June 21 on Vancouver’s iconic Robson Street. This milestone marks the brand’s largest investment in Canada to date, with exciting plans for even more JD stores nationwide by the end of 2026.

A New Era for Sports Fashion in Canada

The new flagship is described as a “next-level retail destination" packed with cutting-edge design, exclusive drops, and immersive experiences that redefine sports fashion in Canada. JD’s arrival brought “the brand’s signature retail experience and unstoppable style credentials from the world’s most influential sportswear brands.”

This opening builds on JD’s existing Canadian footprint and is a key step in the brand’s North American growth strategy, creating “a real buzz in one of its most vibrant shopping destinations.”

Expansion Plans

JD plans to follow its 34th Canadian store with “17 additional new stores in Canada by the end of 2026, as the brand brings the vibes to more and more customers.” Stay updated on future store openings and expansion news.

Why Robson Street?

Robson Street, known as Vancouver’s premier shopping and cultural hub, “provides the perfect setting for JD’s flagship debut in Canada.” The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in the country, joining global flagship destinations like Oxford Street in London, Champs-Élysées in Paris, and Times Square in New York.

This high-visibility location “reflects JD’s dedication to accessibility in major urban centers and its confidence in the vibrancy of Vancouver’s retail scene.”

Exclusive Products and Experiences

The flagship features a premium product assortment and exclusive brand partnerships. The focus on ‘Global Access’ “ensures that shoppers will have access to exclusive products and limited-edition releases not available anywhere else in Canada.”

Gary Ochi, Chief Executive Officer for JD Canada, said:

“This launch of this landmark store signals the next phase of our expansion with 17 additional openings planned across Canada in the next 18 months, as we double down on our ambition to be the go-to destination for sports fashion in North America. Vancouver’s vibrant culture and Robson Street’s reputation as a premier shopping destination make it the perfect home for our first Canadian flagship. We have designed this space to inspire our customers, offering them access to exclusive products, cutting-edge store design, and the best in sports fashion.”

Grand Opening Highlights

The grand opening was celebrated with a weekend of events, including:

• Live DJ performances

• Exclusive product drops

• Interactive experiences for customers

Standout Store Features

The Vancouver flagship is designed to impress, featuring:

• Double-height shopfront and the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, “bringing the energy of global retail landmarks like Times Square to Vancouver’s doorstep.”

• Digital portal entrance with an LED sushi stand, DJ booth, and click-and-collect station.

• Dumbwaiter system for efficient stock delivery.

• Upgraded Stingray sound system, also used by Nike, for an immersive in-store atmosphere.

• Shop-in-shops for brands like Nike, New Balance, and Adidas.

• Digital lightboxes throughout the store, showcasing JD’s hottest drops and premium offerings.

With this opening, JD now boasts an impressive network of stores across North America, following the recent launch of its third US flagship in Las Vegas.