Member Article

Darlington duo expand sports retail business with new showroom

Mark Hunter and his partner Theresa Mason have realised their dream of opening up a sports retail showroom in Darlington.

After last year setting up their business, mysportswear, the duo hope to scale operations with the new site on Morton Park Business Park.

Initially starting online and based from home, Mark says that an increase in customer demand forced the need for larger premises which could also display the company’s increasing range of team wear and equipment.

Mark, who has an extensive background in sales and marketing, started coaching grassroots football and was involved in buying sports kits for local children.

He soon realised there was a gap in the market for supplying personalised sportswear locally. It was then he started to explore the opportunity to set up his own business with his partner Theresa who was helping to manage their growing customer base.

Mark said, “Initially we were receiving orders for football and rugby sportswear, however, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for athletics, gym wear and sports equipment for adults and children in the last few months.

“I think a lot of this is due to the popularity of team sports and other activities including park runs and half and full marathons in the North East. We are now looking at plans for growth including expanding the product range and employment in the New Year”.

Jacksons Law Firm assisted mysportswear on its new Darlington lease.

Solicitor Sophie Lynas, who acted on behalf of the firm, said: “You don’t need to spend too much time with Mark and Theresa to see how passionate they are about the business.

“Their work ethics are very similar to Jacksons with corporate responsibility high on the agenda. It’s great to see local businesses taking up new premises in Morton Park which is not only good for the local economy but also for job creation”.

Jonathan Simpson, Director at Connect Property North East Ltd, who concluded the letting on behalf of Rockspring in partnership with Caisson Investment Management added: “We are delighted to welcome mysportswear to Morton Park.

“The landlord’s strategy of refurbishing units and improving the estate in general is proving to be the right one to attract new tenants and demonstrates the landlord’s commitment to the estate”.