Landmark Group outlines plans to expand Sports One

Landmark Group, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, today announced plans to further developing its multi-brand, multi-category sporting goods retail concept, Sports One. With six stores currently in operation, plans are underway to expand its network to 40 stores across the GCC by 2016.

The concept has been developed by a team of specialists, with a thorough study of the current market offerings to identify gaps and opportunities in the sports retail sector. Landmark Group has created a unique concept in Sports One, through introducing over 40 new brands offering a distinct portfolio of value-added services to customers.

Vipen Sethi said: “The Landmark Group’s foray into the sports retail sector was an important milestone that allowed us to expand and diversify our existing portfolio. Our endeavor to continue investing in Sports One is a testament to the success the brand has registered in the region and reinforces our commitment to bringing new and innovative concepts to our customers. Given the fact that the region hosts some of the world’s top billed sporting events and attracts dedicated supporters, our presence in the sports retail sector will significantly contribute to furthering the GCC’s ambitious growth plans as a sporting hub.”

Sports One first opened the doors of its flagship store in December 2012 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The UAE launch followed earlier this year. With large format stores spanning up to 15,000 sq. ft. in retail space, the stores offer a wide range of sporting products from over a hundred leading sports brands catering to diverse consumer groups. It currently has a presence in six locations and just about 100,000 sq. ft. of retail space, with plans to open in four new locations in the next couple of months.

Shivam Goyal, Business Head, Sports One said: “The launch of Sports One in December 2012 came on the back of our market research that indicated a definite gap in the sports retail sector. Since then, we have been able to identify the needs of our target consumers and further narrow this gap by providing best-in-class sporting products and specialized services that meet the requirements of every kind of customer. Besides men, our stores heavily focus on women and kids range of products that were grossly ignored in this segment. I am confident in our ability to strengthen our network across the GCC backed by our regional expertise and support from the Landmark Group.”

Sports One features dedicated sections for sports merchandise including soccer, swimming, biking, gym equipment and team sports. In addition, the brand also offers its customers sports apparel and footwear in running and training, as well as specialized products for a variety of sports including Basketball, Golf, Tennis and Table Sports. Some of the exclusive brands retailed at Sports One include Schwinn, Diamond Back & K2 Bikes, Soybu Yoga Apparel, Island Haze, Maui and Stream Machine Swim products. Polar Water Bottles, Thorlo's specialty Socks, Sof Sole Soles, TKO Boxing/Gym products, Lifetime basketball boards, as well as ping pong, table tennis tables are also some of the accessories retailed.

With a consumer friendly store environment boasting a number of in-store and after-sales services, Sports One stores also offer a host of value-added services such as GAIT analysis that recommends the right footwear for the feet, Racquet stringing & weight balancing, Printing and Embroidering services as well as professional delivery and installation of Gym equipment.