Sportswear firm JD Sports Fashion has launched its first new Blacks concept store in Aviemore after saving the outdoor retailer from administration.
Yesterday, Blacks Outdoor Retail managing director Lee Bagnall said the group planned to open 10 more stores around the country over the next year.
JD stepped in to rescue Blacks Leisure, which traded from 290 Blacks Outdoors and Millets stores, at the height of the recession in January 2012.
It was reported the Bury-based company beat Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Peter Jones and Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley to secure the £20 million “pre-pack” deal, which saw the company sold immediately after entering administration.
Since the acquisition, JD has reduced the number of stores to 130 and brought Millets back within the Blacks brand.
The Aviemore concept store is one of three currently being launched, with another three “in the pipeline.”
Mr Bagnall said: “We fixed Millets first and brought them back together last year.
“Blacks will open 10 stores in the next year and if they are successful there will be more.”
He said the stores are aimed at serious outdoor enthusiasts while also catering for fashion shoppers.
“The first thing we have done is focus on ensuring that product is fit for purpose,” he added.
“Then we have also go the latest fashions in clothing and footwear. We like to think of ourselves as a forward-looking outdoor store.”
Blacks former store in Aviemore’s High Street was taken over by Mountain Warehouse last year. The new outlet opened recently on Grampian Road.
Mr Bagnall said: “We were very lucky to secure a site in Aviemore, because the town is very tight. It’s also very competitive.
“I think we have got the best looking store in town.”
The new-look store stocks equipment and adults’ and children’s clothing from a range of leading brands. It also features a kiosk for customers to shop online from a wider range of products.
The firm says its footwear area has been designed to ensure a quicker fitting and serve time.
Blacks was founded in Greenock in 1861, as a sail-making company and began making tents in the early 1900s, before developing into a business selling walking and hiking gear.
JD’s Blacks Outdoor Division now also includes the Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso brands.
Earlier this year JD announced pre-tax profits for the year to 30 January 2016 of £157.1 million, an increase of 57% on the previous year.
