Sports Direct has confirmed the opening date for its new flagship store in Liverpool city centre. The major sports retailer will begin trading from the historic Compton House on Church Street on Friday, October 17, 2025, marking a significant change to the city's high street retail landscape.
The move is part of a major investment by parent company Frasers Group, which will see the Grade II listed building transformed into a multi-brand destination featuring a large Sports Direct store, an Everlast Gym, and a GAME retail concession.
Key Takeaways
- New Store Opening: Sports Direct will open its new flagship store on Church Street on Friday, October 17, 2025.
- Location: The store is located in the historic Grade II listed Compton House, the former home of Marks & Spencer.
- Relocation: The retailer is moving from its long-term location in Liverpool ONE, which opened in 2008.
- Multi-Brand Hub: The new site will also include a 23,000 sq ft Everlast Gym and a GAME video game concession.
A New Era for Church Street
Preparations at the iconic Church Street building are in their final stages. The distinctive Sports Direct logo has been installed on the building's pediment, and the interior is being fitted out ahead of the grand opening. The new store will occupy 70,000 square feet of retail space, offering a wide range of sportswear and equipment.
This development signifies a major retail shift, with a key anchor tenant moving from the modern Liverpool ONE complex back to a traditional high street location. Frasers Group acquired the building in August 2023 following the departure of Marks & Spencer, which had occupied the site for 95 years.
A Landmark Building's History
Compton House is a Grade II listed building with a rich history in Liverpool's retail scene. Before its 95-year tenure as an M&S store, it was one of the world's first purpose-built department stores. Its revitalisation by Frasers Group ensures the landmark remains a central part of the city's shopping experience.
Frasers Group's Vision for Liverpool
The acquisition and redevelopment of Compton House are central to Frasers Group's strategy of investing in physical retail. The company aims to create modern, multi-faceted shopping destinations that offer more than just traditional retail.
James France, Head of Acquisitions at Frasers Group, commented on the project shortly after the purchase was confirmed. He emphasised the company's commitment to high street locations.
"We are big believers in physical retail and this acquisition marks an exciting time for the group as we continue to expand our store portfolio across the UK and Europe. We are looking forward to bringing Liverpool customers a next-generation sports retail experience with the opening of a 70,000 sq ft Sports Direct flagship store featuring the world’s biggest sports brands."
The project also includes the integration of other brands from the Frasers Group portfolio. An Everlast Gyms facility will occupy 23,000 square feet, offering a hybrid gym experience. In recent weeks, Everlast staff have been engaging with the public outside the new location, promoting discounted memberships ahead of the launch.
Consolidation of Brands
The new flagship will also become the new home for the video game retailer GAME. The brand, which is also owned by Frasers Group, closed its standalone store on Lord Street in June. Since 2019, Frasers Group has been relocating GAME outlets into smaller concessions within its larger Sports Direct stores.
Updated signage at the Church Street site now includes GAME's branding, confirming its move into the new multi-brand hub. This strategy allows the group to consolidate its property footprint while maintaining a physical presence for its various retail chains.
Sports Direct in Liverpool: Key Figures
- 70,000 sq ft: The size of the new Sports Direct retail space.
- 23,000 sq ft: The dedicated space for the new Everlast Gym.
- 17 years: The approximate length of time Sports Direct operated from its Liverpool ONE store (2008-2025).
- 95 years: The duration Marks & Spencer occupied Compton House before relocating.
End of an Era at Liverpool ONE
The move marks the end of Sports Direct's long-standing presence at Liverpool ONE. The retailer was one of the original tenants when the shopping complex opened in 2008, occupying a large unit on Lower South John Street for over 15 years.
The Liverpool ONE store is currently holding a closing down sale to clear remaining stock. Shoppers can find discounts on major brands like Nike, Adidas, PUMA, and New Balance as the store prepares to shut its doors for the final time. Yellow signs confirming the closure have been visible in the windows for several weeks.
The departure of Sports Direct from Liverpool ONE coincides with Marks & Spencer's move into the complex. M&S opened its new store in the former Debenhams unit in 2023, creating the vacancy at Compton House that Frasers Group subsequently filled.
Impact on City Centre Retail
The relocation of such a major retailer is a significant event for Liverpool's city centre. It demonstrates confidence in the traditional high street and brings substantial investment to a historic and prominent building on Church Street.
The creation of a multi-purpose venue combining sports retail, a gym, and a gaming concession reflects a modern approach to physical retail. By offering multiple experiences under one roof, Frasers Group aims to attract a diverse range of customers and increase footfall in a key area of the city's shopping district.