adidas x Sports Direct

See how D4R engineered the graphic retail rollout for the iconic adidas Predator or F50 campaign across 13 key Sports Direct UK locations.

Brand Activations Branding Retail Campaign
adidas x Sports Direct

Choose One: F50 or Predator Dual Rollout.

In the world of football footwear, the Predator and the F50 represent two opposing yet iconic philosophies: the Predator is defined by clinical control and precision, while the F50 is the ultimate benchmark for lightweight speed. D4R collaborated with adidas to deliver a strategic retail update across 13 UK Sports Direct locations.

Focused on the footwear category, the project was a high-speed execution designed to refresh branded spaces within a critical one-week installation window. Our role was to ensure that the global energy of the adidas brand translated seamlessly into the high-performance environment of Sports Direct.

The core objective was to implement a comprehensive update of graphic and digital content to promote the high-stakes “Predator or F50” campaign. This project was uniquely challenging because it departed from the standard format of focusing on a single silo; instead, it required a “choose one” narrative that placed two iconic boot styles in direct competition. D4R was responsible for the technical artworking and engineering required to adapt these global visuals into existing store templates, bootwalls, and launch zone plinths across 13 distinct retail footprints.

Our strategy centred on maintaining a strict balance between the two competing products to ensure the campaign’s integrity. The visual identity relied on a vibrant red and green colour palette, utilising a distinct gradient to create a clear division between the Predator and F50 zones. We leveraged a mix of materials, including magprints, acrylic, and Foamex boards, alongside updated digital content for tickers and launch zone screens to drive consumer engagement. By focusing on technical realisation, we bridged the gap between complex global marketing assets and the practical requirements of a fast-paced wholesale environment.

Executing the rollout between the 8th and 15th of January, our teams completed all graphic and marketing updates on schedule across the full 13-store estate. The final installation successfully captured the competitive spirit of the Predator or F50 campaign through cohesive player-focused graphics and precision-engineered plinth treatments. By delivering a high-quality result under tight deadlines and strict brand guidelines, we met the client’s KPIs for consistency and visibility, further strengthening our long-standing relationship with the adidas marketing team.

As we prepared for one of our key SS26 football campaigns, spotlighting both Predator and F50 in a unified concept: Predator or F50 – Choose One, the adidas brand activation team partnered closely with Design4Retail to bring our vision to life across Sports Direct flagship and elevated stores throughout the UK. The D4R team delivered a seamless end-to-end process, ensuring all requirements were met with precision and consistency. From early conceptual stages through to flawless in-store execution, their attention to detail and commitment to retail excellence were evident at every stage. The overall execution has been extremely well received by key stakeholders, reflecting the strength of the collaboration. Design4Retail’s passion for retail, proactive approach, and dedication have contributed to the overall success of the campaign. We look forward to partnering with them again on future launches.
adidas Marketing Team

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