JD Sports Fashion: technological change doesn’t happen without bringing people onboard for the journey

JD Sports Fashion is coming off a training week focused on how retailers can get their people onboard with technological change journeys.

In a LinkedIn post, Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations at JD Sports Fashion, said: "This week I got to watch my team put on an epic training week which they conceptualised, designed and developed from scratch. The brief was simple, technological change doesn’t happen without bringing people on board for the journey."

He added: "The output was an immersive, culture rich, engaged, very personal and above all human training week which landed beyond my wildest dreams. My team got to inspire 26 amazingly talented individuals to hand the baton over to them on the changes we are rolling out into our retail spaces. We haven't just created a change network, we have illuminated where a career in JD can take you by just being brave to say Yes."

"This group of people will change things because its within there nature to move forever forward. I am energised by the creativity, insights and desire to want more than today with what they brought to our training week. JD is nothing without its People. Together we Win. We are JD."

Vegas baby!

JD Sports unveiled its first US West Coast flagship store at Las Vegas Blvd earlier this month.

In a LinkedIn post, Mauro Victor Boeta, Retail Marketing Specialist at JD Finish Line, said: "After months and months of work, 1317 Las Vegas Blvd is finally open! The third JD flagship store in the books. Shout out to everyone who contributed to this insane project and a special shout out to the entire marketing team for putting in the hours people don’t see."

Martin Trevillion, Head of Store Development at JD Group, said: “Punctuating the desert of Nevada with its dazzling lights, Las Vegas demands attention globally like no other city. Responding to this unique and evocative context allowed us to express ourselves in the way that we know so well, with strength, boldness and unapologetically JD Sports Fashion.”

“A store front has been revealed that represents a statement like no other we’ve previously attempted. With the tallest and most architectuarally integrated digital screen ever delivered in a JD shopfront. To acheive this we have pushed and challenged ourselves, our consultants and supply chain partners with a result that not only stands up to the expectations of this entertertainment epicentre, but one that will stand out in this digitally dynamic destination.”

He continued: “Beyond the façade, which stands at over 16 metres, the journey of intent continues with the the latest iteration of store environment concept. It represents JD, our brand partners and the strength of our culture driven through our vision of being forever forward.”

“At this point it is only right that I recognise Gerald Cropsey (VP of New Development and Construction-Multi-Site at Jones Lang LaSalle), who through patience and tenacity was able to not only be the delivery force behind this project. He also succesfully managed and guided a group of driven, dedicated and dynamic individuals to achieve something amazing in an epic but challenging location. Kudos to this man and someone I will always consider a friend.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.