JD Sports has become the first global retail partner for Nike’s  Connected Membership programme.

The link-up actually launched in the UK in 2022 but it has now arrived in the US, giving the rewards programme a global aspect.

It means JD’s US customers will be able to access select Nike members-only footwear and clothing by linking their JD Status and Nike Membership accounts through the JD app or website. 

The benefits will include an instant reward bonus, curated collections, early access to products, exclusive experiences and services.

JD Sports CEO Régis Schultz underlined that the company “becoming Nike’s first global Connected Member partner strengthens our long-standing, strategic relationship with the brand. This partnership cements JD’s position as the leading global omnichannel retailer of sports fashion brands, providing our extremely-brand-conscious customers with the products they want most across footwear and apparel”.

North America is a growing region for JD Sports and it’s Nike’s home market so is clearly of vital importance to both businesses.

JD has been expanding under its own banner there as well as by acquisition and when it announced its full-year results a few months ago, it mentioned North America as a key strategic growth territory.

Only a week ago, JD also announced that it had completed its purchase of American chain Hibbett, calling it “an important strategic milestone for us in… the largest sportswear market in the world. Strategically, this acquisition enhances our presence within North America and achieves our objective of strengthening our existing community concepts: Shoe Palace on the West Coast and DTLR on the East Coast. Hibbett’s footprint is highly and fully complementary”.