Leading footwear and sportswear retailer Footasylum has opened a new store in Merthyr Tydfil as part of its expansion plans. The new outlet, located at Cyfarthfa Shopping Park, has created 25 jobs for the local community.
Fifth Store in Wales
The Rochdale-headquartered retailer has leased a 4,000 sq ft unit at the retail park. This store marks Footasylum's fifth in Wales, joining existing locations in Wrexham, Newport, Llanelli, and Cardiff. The company's key demographic is young people aged 16 to 24.
Expansion Strategy
The opening is part of Footasylum's ongoing expansion strategy, which focuses on prominent, high-footfall retail destinations. Recent openings include stores at Manchester's Arndale Shopping Centre, Glasgow's Silverburn Shopping Centre, and Darlington's Cornmill Centre.
The store rollout programme is supported by a new funding deal with HSBC, which will also increase the company's warehousing capacity. Additionally, Footasylum has entered into a strategic partnership with Trapstar, the British streetwear brand.
Leadership and International Growth
Hannah Mercer was recently appointed as the retailer's chief executive. The company is also focusing on international expansion in central Europe and the Gulf states.
Local Impact
Shannon Osman, retail director at Footasylum, said: "We're incredibly excited to bring Footasylum to Merthyr Tydfil for the first time, expanding our reach and creating 25 local jobs. Cyfarthfa Shopping Park provides a great platform for us to connect with both new and existing customers while showcasing the mix of exclusive and third-party brands we are known for. We look forward to becoming part of the local retail community and welcoming customers through the doors of this fantastic new store."
Footasylum sells a mix of footwear, apparel, and accessories through its stores, websites, and a wholesale channel. The company employs around 2,500 staff across the UK and operates more than 60 stores. It was acquired by private equity firm Aurelius in 2022.
