Hurley Sport—a legend of Manchester’s 1980s fashion culture— has made a comeback. The independent, family-run fashion retailer Hurley’s recently celebrated its 70th anniversary by opening a new Hurley Sport location at Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, Greater Manchester, right next to its premium fashion store.
From European sportswear go-to for cultural icons to a revival at Middlebrook Retail Park
Originally operating out of Piccadilly and Salford, the go-to destination for European sportswear famously attracted cultural icons like Noel Gallagher, Debbie Harry, and Terry Hall. The iconic store even sold a young David Beckham his football boots.
While planning the company’s 70th anniversary, family owners Mark Hurley and his daughters, Jess and Tara, were inspired to relaunch the brand after sifting through decades of archive photos and store memorabilia.
Honouring its heritage, the reopened Hurley Sports shop brings back fan-favourite original brands like Sergio Tacchini, Kappa, Henri Lloyd, Lacoste, Fred Perry, and Fila. Decorating the Middlebrook shop are throwback photos and memorabilia showcasing the golden age of sportswear and Hurley Sport’s key role in bringing European fashion to the North West.
“Customers and suppliers still talk to the family today about how we were at the forefront of the casuals movement back in the 80s and 90s.”
Mark Hurley, Managing Director at Hurley’s and Hurley Sport said: “Being a family-run business of 70 years means we have an amazing archive of the history of Hurley’s, from its creation by my parents, to my two daughters running the business with me today. Of course, I love looking though it all, but we realised that we were getting an amazing response when we shared photos and memories publicly.
“Customers and suppliers still talk to the family today about how we were at the forefront of the casuals movement back in the 80s and 90s. Casuals and sportswear are in the DNA of Hurley’s, and the brands are back in the spotlight, so me and my daughters were inspired to bring Hurley Sport back.”
“It’s been exciting to take this plunge together and bring everything I’ve seen from the archives back to life.”
Jess Pizzey (nee Hurley), General Manager at Hurley’s and Hurley Sport, said: “I was just a baby when Hurley Sport was causing queues round the block, so it’s been exciting to take this plunge together and bring everything I’ve seen from the archives back to life. The family history is weaved into the design of the new shop, my dad’s career is on the walls in the dressing rooms, and it’s been a team effort to make our vision happen.
“…I’m looking forward to welcoming more people through the doors for a modern take on the nostalgia of the Hurley Sport heyday.”
First established in 1955 as Hurley’s Sports & Camping in Salford, the brand remains one of the North West’s leading independent men’s and women’s clothing retailers. Hurley Sport is located in Middlebook Retail Park, Horwich and can also be shopped online at hurleys.co.uk.
📍Hurley’s, 13-15 The Mall, Middlebrook Retail Park, The Linkway, Horwich, BL6 6JA.
