JD Sports Fashion plc ('JD' or the 'Group') is expanding into Mexico via a franchise partnership.
The U.K.-based global sports footwear and fashion company, which operates over 2,500 stores in North America across five retail brands that include Finish Line, JD Sports, Shoe Palace and Hibbet, has entered into a long-term partnership with with Grupo Axo to launch the JD brand in Mexico. (Axo is a multi-brand omnichannel retail distributor in Mexico.) The news comes shortly the company promoted John Mersho to president and CEO, JD North America.
Under the agreement, Axo will operate JD stores and e-commerce in Mexico, using JD's brand and intellectual property. Axo and JD will also leverage JD's own-brand and exclusive product portfolio to deliver "a differentiated proposition for Mexican consumers across footwear, apparel and accessories," the company said.
Starting in 2027, Axo will operate more than 140 JD stores in Mexico, leveraging its existing network of sneaker stores. Over time, key locations are expected to be upsized and reimagined in line with JD's flagship "bigger and better" format, the company said.
Mexico's population exceeds 130 million, with around 40% under the ...