New arrival at the Trafford Centre pairs retail with racket sport
Visitors to the Trafford Centre can now combine a browse for gym kit with a go at one of the country’s fastest-rising pastimes. Lululemon has opened a new flagship store at the mall and, alongside it, installed a temporary padel court just outside the Great Hall for a limited run this month.
The pop-up is available to book every day from 10am to 10pm through the Playtomic app, with one-hour slots priced at £36. The court is in place from Friday 10 July through to Thursday 23 July, offering shoppers and after-work players the chance to try a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash and is played in doubles. Guests are advised to arrive around ten minutes before their slot to check in.
Centre aims to bring ‘exciting experiences’ to the mall
The Trafford Centre says the partnership adds something fresh to a day out at the complex, which already welcomes an estimated 30 million visitors each year and houses more than 280 brands, including Selfridges, John Lewis, Zara, Next and Marks & Spencer, as well as a 20-screen ODEON.
“We’re always looking for new ways to bring exciting experiences to Trafford Centre, and this partnership with lululemon does exactly that. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and has built an incredible following across Greater Manchester. Bringing a premium court to the heart of our destination gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a fun, accessible way while celebrating the opening of lululemon’s fantastic new flagship store.”
For those keen to try something new, padel’s appeal lies in its quick rallies and accessible learning curve, making it suitable for mixed-ability doubles, friendly family games and social matches with colleagues. The Trafford Centre installation is intended to give first-timers a no-fuss introduction while providing a convenient court for regulars.
How to book and where to find it
Bookings are handled via the Playtomic app. Search for the Trafford Centre listing and select a slot; payment is taken in-app. The court sits outside the Great Hall, a short walk from the main entrance. Lululemon’s new store can be found at Unit L64–65 inside the centre.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 10–23 July |
| Daily opening | 10am–10pm |
| Session length | 1 hour |
| Price | £36 per session |
| Booking | Via the Playtomic app |
| Location | Outside the Great Hall, Trafford Centre |
Why it matters locally
Pop-up sports spaces have become a popular way to bring activity to high-footfall places, and this one lands at a time when padel’s profile across Greater Manchester is rising. For Trafford residents, it’s a straightforward way to see what the fuss is about without trekking to a dedicated club or committing to a membership. For the centre’s retailers and food outlets, the court is likely to extend dwell time and encourage evening visits, especially given the late closing time.
Whether you’re curious about the sport or simply looking to add something different to a shopping trip, the combination of a newly opened Lululemon and an easy-to-book court makes for a handy summer option close to home. If you’re going, remember:
- Book in advance on Playtomic to secure a preferred time.
- Arrive 10 minutes early to check in and get ready.
- Plan for doubles play; padel is designed for pairs on each side.
With school holidays on the horizon and long evenings still in play, expect the court to be busier towards the end of the day and at weekends. Shoppers can also make a day of it, with major anchors like Selfridges and John Lewis nearby and plenty of post-match food options within the Great Hall and the wider centre.
The pop-up closes after 23 July, so locals keen to give it a try have just under a fortnight to get a game in while it’s on the doorstep.
