Central Retail-owned CRC Sports has reportedly acquired a 40 per cent stake in JD Sports Thailand, aiming to strengthen its position in Thailand’s fast-growing sports fashion market.
The deal is expected to accelerate expansion in the premium sneaker and athleisure segment, particularly among younger consumers.
According to local sources, the executives said the partnership will combine CRC Sports’ local retail network with JD Sports’ global brand relationships and merchandising expertise.
“This collaboration not only increases our access to and licensing rights for exclusive global products but also opens up opportunities for the company to fully enter the sports lifestyle market, valued at over 35 billion baht (US$1.1 million) and growing at an average rate of approximately 6 per cent per year,” Tai Chirathivat, CEO of Central Retail Brands and Specialties (CRBS), told local sources.
“We aim to capture up to 40 per cent of this market share and become the number one leader in the sports lifestyle market.”
JD Sports currently operates more than 4900 stores across 49 countries and features brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and On.
JD Sports Thailand currently operates 15 stores, while CRC Sports operates more than 129 stores across Thailand, with brands such as Supersports, Rev Runnr, and Mono Store.
