British sportswear retail giant, JD Sports, is ramping up its expansion plan in New Zealand with multiple stores set to open across the country during the next two years. 

The rollout decision follows strong trading at the retailer’s first New Zealand store, which opened at Auckland’s Sylvia Park earlier this month.

“The opening of our first New Zealand store has produced some of the strongest sales numbers of any JD Sports store opening globally – including key flagship doors,” said Hilton Seskin, CEO of JD Sports ANZ.

“In addition, our dedicated New Zealand website has driven a huge consumer response since it was launched in June – and continues to exceed our initial forecasts. 

He said the company is currently investigating a number of retail locations for the new stores up to 800sqm in metro areas nationwide.

“Our estimates suggest there is considerable room in the New Zealand market for JD,” he added. “We have already identified the location of our second New Zealand store which will open in the new year. From there we will look to open another eight stores relatively quickly.” 

 A comprehensive retail training programme, JD Academy, is also designed for JD Sports’ staff in New Zealand.

JD’s plan will see up to 700 jobs created.