CENTRAL CEE & NEMZZZ JOIN JD AND NIKE FOR EXCLUSIVE LOCK-IN AHEAD OF LANDMARK STORE OPENING AT MANCHESTER’S TRAFFORD CENTRE
Words: [ Mark Haddon ]
Manchester was the place to be last night as JD Sports and Nike threw down a major cultural moment ahead of the grand opening of JD’s biggest-ever flagship store at the iconic Trafford Centre. The invite-only pre-launch lock-in saw West London rap star Central Cee link up with Manchester native Nemzzz for an exclusive night that fused music, fashion, and youth culture.
On Friday 6th June, just hours before the retail giant officially opens the doors to its largest UK store, JD handed the keys over to Central Cee for a high-energy takeover in partnership with Nike. The intimate gig was far from your average store event, bringing together JD and Nike’s tight-knit communities to celebrate a new chapter for both the brand and the city.
The night peaked with live performances from both Central Cee and Nemzzz, including their joint track “DILEMMA,” setting the tone for what JD calls the “Forever Forward” mission — a push to elevate youth culture and redefine the shopping experience.
But the music was just the beginning. Sneakerheads were given a rare opportunity to secure a pair of the Nike Air Max 95 OG ‘Mandarin’ — a long-awaited re-release of the cult 2011 colourway. Dubbed the “110s,” the legendary silhouette returns with a bold orange fade and updated ‘big bubble’ Air Max design, first seen on recent OG drops like the Neon and Pink Foam 95s.
The Nike Air Max 95 OG Mandarin will be available in-store only at the new Trafford Centre flagship from 1:10pm on Saturday 7th June, with limited pairs retailing from £175. The re-release forms part of the JD Trafford store’s “Nike AM95: The Vault” concept, giving collectors a second shot at one of Nike’s most iconic colourways.
Beyond the kicks and the music, the opening of JD’s new Trafford Centre location marks a milestone moment. With its immersive design, exclusive product drops, and cultural collaborations, the new flagship aims to redefine what sport and street fashion retail looks like in the UK.
Since opening its first store in nearby Bury in 1981, JD has evolved into a global leader in sports fashion — and this new Manchester flagship is being hailed as a full-circle homecoming. It’s a bold statement from a brand that continues to shape youth identity and street culture on its own terms.
Doors open at 10am on Saturday 7th June. Expect crowds, exclusive gear, and a retail experience like no other.
For more info and product updates, head to www.jdsports.co.uk or follow @jdofficial on Instagram.
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