logo
JD Sports strengthens presence in Central and Eastern Europe

JD Sports strengthens presence in Central and Eastern Europe

Fashion United11 hours ago
JD Sports continues its strategic expansion across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), underlining its ambitions to solidify a leading position in the international sports fashion retail sector. Following its first regional store opening in Poland in 2021, the British-born multi-channel retailer now operates 65 stores across Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia, with further openings imminent.
The brand's offer includes a curated mix of global sportswear giants such as Nike, adidas, Puma, and The North Face, complemented by its proprietary labels including Pink Soda and Supply & Demand. This combination supports JD's positioning as a destination for consumers seeking performance-led lifestyle and fashion-forward sportswear.
At the core of the CEE growth is a people-driven approach. JD's in-market teams are recognised for executing brand strategy and operations with precision and passion, contributing to rapid market penetration in a region with increasing appetite for international retail concepts.
As JD Sports deepens its investment in the CEE, the company signals both confidence in the region's long-term retail potential and its commitment to scaling through localized retail strategies backed by global resources.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

All new UK cars will have breathalysers and black box-style recorders under Labour plans to align with the EU
All new UK cars will have breathalysers and black box-style recorders under Labour plans to align with the EU

Daily Mail​

time19 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

All new UK cars will have breathalysers and black box-style recorders under Labour plans to align with the EU

New British cars will follow European laws and be fitted with breathalysers and black box-style recorders, amid claims the move is a political ploy by Labour to reset its post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Sir Keir Starmer 's government argues that differences in car manufacturing between Britain and Europe will lead to higher costs being passed on to the customer. But critics argue such a move shows a desire by Labour to closely align Britain to rules and regulations implemented by Brussels. Labour previously agreed the UK would align with EU plant and animal health rules as part of concessions to form a closer relationship with the union. Now Lord Hendy, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, stated earlier this week in parliament that the government 'takes an explicit presumption in favour of alignment' in regards to how cars are manufactured. He added that the government would be 'considering options for requiring the fitment of the safety technologies mandated by the EU's general safety regulation' and would discuss these with individual manufacturers, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the National Franchise Dealers Association. Under the EU, new British and European cars followed the same legislation. But following Brexit, Brussels introduced the General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), which called for different devices and technology to be pre-installed. These include a breathalyser that prevents the car from starting if the driver fails an alcohol test. Event Data Recorders (EDRs), which can provide information on how fast a car was travelling before an accident, and Driver Drowsiness Warning (DDAW), which can alert a driver if they are becoming sleepy, are also required to be fitted into new vehicles. Northern Ireland follows GSR2 rules as part of the Brexit deal to prevent a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. But differences between new cars made under EU and UK rules could mean customers in Northern Ireland would face higher costs for purchasing a new vehicle from the mainland. Labour is understood to back an 'alignment' of the EU and UK safety laws to stop Northern Irish consumers being treated unfavourably. Car manufacturers are also said to see the advantage of aligning the rules. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders told The Telegraph: 'With the heavily integrated nature of the UK and European automotive sectors, regulatory alignment supports efficient production, keeping costs down for consumers while retaining the widest possible model choice.' But Brexit supporters argue that UK car manufacturers do not need to be led by Brussels and the move is simply an attempt by Labour to woo the EU. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, said: 'This is a game being played out where they keep incrementally moving back towards the European Union.' Mark Francois, chairman of the Conservative European Research Group, added: 'This is still rule-taking from the EU, however you try and dress it up.' Away from the theatre of politics, in-built breathalysers - or 'alcolocks' as they are also known - are actually backed by the majority of motorists as a solution to stopping drink drivers from reoffending. A recent poll by the RAC found 53 per cent of drivers want courts to have the power to order anyone convicted of drink-driving to have alcolock breathalysers installed in their cars. Support for the interventionist approach comes as a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA found 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences in the 11 years leading up to July 2024. On the back of this evidence, the RAC is pushing for the Government to take up this method - already in use in other countries including Australia, Belgium and parts of the US - in a bid to reduce drink-driving. Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: 'Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving. 'It's also very apparent that many of the drink-drivers caught by the police are reoffenders which implies something different needs to be done to change this dangerous behaviour.' Alcolocks – what are they? Could they become standard? Not everyone will have heard of alcolocks or alcohol-interlocks as they're properly known. Alcolock is actually a brand name – founded in the 70s - but has become the common name for breathalysers fitted to the car's ignition system. Once fitted a driver has to provide an alcohol-free breath sample in order to start the engine – usually blowing for five seconds. If there's little to no alcohol the engine will start. If it exceeds a set level it won't start. There are various options as to how they're mandated and who pays for them: For instance, courts could mandate them for reoffenders only, or anyone convicted of drink-driving. In other countries the fitting is generally paid for by the offender, although in cases of financial hardship the state can step in to cover the cost. However, it's worth noting that the EU introduced new rules in July 2024 requiring all new cars sold in the EU to be 'prepared' to have an alcolock fitted.

Stellantis Eyes Rebound Amid ‘Tough Decisions' and $1.7 Billion Tariff Hit
Stellantis Eyes Rebound Amid ‘Tough Decisions' and $1.7 Billion Tariff Hit

Auto Blog

timean hour ago

  • Auto Blog

Stellantis Eyes Rebound Amid ‘Tough Decisions' and $1.7 Billion Tariff Hit

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'This took a dead truck battery and put life back into it like it was brand new again!' View post: Walmart Is Selling a $50 Car Battery Charger for Just $20, and Shoppers 'Can't Believe How Easy It Is to Use' The Vanquish Volante is Aston's newest flagship, as part of new CEO Adrian Hallmark's plan to turn the legendary British brand into a 'High-performance business.' The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram parent is seeing red in its numbers In a new statement released on July 29, multinational auto conglomerate Stellantis reported significant losses during its first half of the year, despite reinstating its financial guidance for 2025. The Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks parent reported a net loss of €2.3 billion (~$2.7 billion) during the first half of 2025, while net revenues took a 13% year-over-year dip compared to the same period in 2024. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen Nissan CEO admits brand is doomed without an outside investor Watch More Notably, Stellantis faced a slowdown in vehicle shipments in various key markets during this period. Shipments of vehicles in North America dropped by 23% while tariffs affected vehicle inventories. At the same time, European vehicle deliveries took a 7% dip due to a slow introduction of critical new B-segment cars, while numbers in China, India, and the Asia Pacific region also showed red. Though some of the losses were recouped due to a 20% sales boost in South America and a 5% increase in the Middle East and Africa region, it shipped a total of 2.69 million vehicles globally, an 8% YoY dip. Source: Getty Images In a statement, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa stated that his first weeks as the company's CEO had reconfirmed his 'strong conviction' that he and his team would 'fix what's wrong in Stellantis by capitalizing on everything that's right in Stellantis,' adding that its people, ideas, and new products are a major part of its strength. However, he also warns that the way forward will not come easily, as it already faces a tough road ahead. '2025 is turning out to be a tough year, but also one of gradual improvement. Signs of progress are evident when comparing H1 2025 to H2 2024, in the form of improved volumes, Net revenues, and AOI, despite intensifying external headwinds,' he said. 'Our new leadership team, while realistic about the challenges, will continue making the tough decisions needed to re-establish profitable growth and significantly improved results.' Stellantis North America COO and Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa speaks during the Stellantis press conference at the Automobility LA 2024. — Source: ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Filosa remains confident of Stellantis's bounce back Despite the numbers on the sheets showing bright red, Filosa maintained his confidence when financial sector analysts grilled him during the Q&A section of the live webcast and conference call that took place 90 minutes before the morning bell rang on Wall Street on July 29. In response to a question that Bernstein Automotive Equity Analyst Stephen Reitman asked about the confidence U.S. dealers have since Filosa took the helm, the newly appointed CEO noted that he and his peers 'committed in a much better dialogue with our dealer networks, especially in U.S.,' adding that products like the Ram 1500 Express are a proof of that concept. 2026 Ram 1500 Black Express with HEMI V-8 burnout — Source: RAM '[The Ram 1500 Express] came out from a constructive dialogue of the network with the Brand, is now restoring our presence there, and we see good orders coming in,' Filosa told the Bernstein Analyst. '[…] our order book is mainly driven by retail orders. Our dealer network grew more than 90% over here. And this is a clear demonstration of that confidence, which is an enduring process to build day by day through relationships, and also through good business.' Additionally, in response to a question from J.P. Morgan Global Autos and European Autos Equity Research Head José M. Asumendi about improving Stellantis's growth in the U.S., Filosa credited the passage of the recent Republican tax and spending bill for opening up an opportunity to expand its offerings and prioritize more profitable vehicles. 'The recently signed by President Trump, big, beautiful bill of the Fourth of July, gives us more flexibility in choosing a better margin-optimized mix between the ICE version and the electrified version of the models that we sell. And this will mean to us a lot of additional profit, and also volumes that are much closer to the end customer demand.' Final thoughts It is not surprising that an automaker that imports vehicles from EU member states like Italy and Poland, as well as Mexico and Canada, will have this much of a tariff impact on its bottom line. Nonetheless, Filosa's rightsizing of Stellantis has yet to fully impact the market. In the short span of months, we have already seen the return of the Hemi V8 in the RAM 1500, the return of the fabled SRT brand, and even the return of influential figureheads like Tim Kuniskis in consequential positions. Filosa knows that keeping Stellantis in the black isn't a process that happens overnight or even within a few quarters. Let's hope Filosa can produce results. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile

Walmart Is Selling a ‘Reliable' $559 Power Station for Only $239, and Shoppers Say It's ‘Easy to Use'
Walmart Is Selling a ‘Reliable' $559 Power Station for Only $239, and Shoppers Say It's ‘Easy to Use'

Auto Blog

timean hour ago

  • Auto Blog

Walmart Is Selling a ‘Reliable' $559 Power Station for Only $239, and Shoppers Say It's ‘Easy to Use'

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. 'This took a dead truck battery and put life back into it like it was brand new again!' View post: Walmart Is Selling a $50 Car Battery Charger for Just $20, and Shoppers 'Can't Believe How Easy It Is to Use' The Lone Star State will soon have multiple robotaxi services. View post: Waymo Claims Its Robot Taxis Are 88% Safer Than Human Drivers As It Plans Next Major City Launch The Vanquish Volante is Aston's newest flagship, as part of new CEO Adrian Hallmark's plan to turn the legendary British brand into a 'High-performance business.' View post: 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante First Drive Review: Not For the Faint of Heart Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. A reliable portable power station is becoming an increasingly smart buy, especially for anyone looking to stay charged during road trips, outdoor events, power outages, or even day-to-day life off the grid. Whether you're running small appliances, charging multiple devices, or exploring solar power, a power station with long battery life and quick recharge times makes all the difference. Right now at Walmart, the EcoFlow River 3 Plus 270 Portable Power Station is down to just $239, a discount of almost 60% off its usual $559 price tag. This compact unit offers dependable power in a lightweight build and includes an integrated light, making it a great option for both home backup and on-the-go use. EcoFlow River 3 Plus Portable Power Station, $239 (was $559) at Walmart Despite weighing just 10 pounds, this power station offers 600 watts of steady output (and 1,200 watts surge capacity with X-Boost) across three AC outlets, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a car charger. It recharges from 0 to 100% in just an hour with a wall outlet or 1.5 hours via solar panels — which are sold separately and currently on sale for $250 off. Built-in X-GaNPower tech allows it to run lower-wattage devices for twice as long, while the whisper-quiet 30 dB operation makes it a solid option for indoor use. The LiFePO4 battery provides up to 3,000 charge cycles and retains 80% of its capacity after 10 years. Expandability is also built-in, with support for up to 840 watt-hours using compatible EcoFlow batteries. Lastly, the EcoFlow app (available from the App Store and Google Play) makes charging, using, and monitoring the River 3 Plus a breeze. Buyers love its ease of use, with one reviewer saying, 'Great for starter solar energy conversion. Reliable. Easy to use and the app is beyond easy to navigate.' Another echoed the sentiment, saying, 'Easy to use and exceeded my expectations.' For the price, it's a powerful entry point into solar or portable backup power. Discounts this big don't tend to stick around long. So head over to Walmart's site today and pick up the EcoFlow River 3 Plus 270 Portable Power Station for just $239 while it's still on sale for 57% off. About the Author Andrew Koopman View Profile

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store