British sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced it is set to officially launch its first Australian store in April.

The 540-square-metre store at GPT’s Melbourne Central will offer a range of leading global brands, including Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, Reebok, Ellesse, The North Face and Puma, servicing men, women and children through a wide range of footwear and apparel.

JD Sports’ new store will expand its presence to 11 countries outside the UK.

Hilton Seskin, head of JD Sports’ Australian arm, said the store’s launch would not disappoint.

“Our shoppers will get first pick of limited-edition styles, global launches and JD exclusives from the heavy-hitters, including Adidas and Nike,” he said.

“Being a global retailer gives us access to the best product, higher-tiered releases, more exclusives and the ability to build ranges that are specific to the JD consumer, making JD the place to go for sport fashion.”

In August 2016, JD Sports acquired majority control of Next Athleisure, which currently has 32 stores trading as Glue Store, as well as Trend Imports – a wholesale distribution business.

JD Sports is aiming to expand throughout Australia in 2017, with more store launches planned for Victoria, as well as NSW and Queensland.

An integral part of this strategy will also include a dedicated localised e-commerce offering, which is set to launch in conjunction with the first store in Melbourne.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports, said its Aussie expansion is a very proud moment in the company’s history.

“We hope that the people of Melbourne will be as excited as we are by our extensive range of product and our ability to provide the best sneakers, in the best environment, from all the major brands,” he said.

“We lead on being the ‘Undisputed King of Trainers’ and we intend to deliver on that promise across the world.”