Crabtree Valley Mall is locking in a major new tenant, with JD Sports set to open its first standalone Raleigh store in a roughly 7,000-square-foot spot on the lower level across from Hollister. The deal is part of a broader round of new leases and experiments at the Glenwood Avenue mall as its owners work to refresh the interiors and bring in more experiential concepts. Shoppers can expect construction and new tenants to roll out gradually through 2026 as management renovates common areas and updates the merchandising mix.
Opening Timeline
According to JD Sports, the Crabtree location appears on the chain’s future-store schedule with an anticipated opening in August 2026. That timing places Crabtree on JD’s U.S. expansion map for the year. The retailer typically posts hiring information and grand-opening specifics on its store pages as launch dates get closer.
Store Size And Placement
As reported by The News & Observer, the new store will occupy nearly 7,000 square feet on the mall’s lower level directly across from Hollister. The location keeps JD within Crabtree’s growing athleisure corridor, next to brands such as lululemon, Fabletics and Athleta, giving shoppers another option for performance footwear and streetwear.
Brand Lineup And Parent Company
JD Sports locations typically stock big-name athletic labels including Nike, adidas, New Balance, Asics and Hoka. The chain is part of the broader JD Sports Fashion group, which also runs Finish Line and other U.S. banners, according to investor materials from JD Sports Fashion.
Crabtree's $60M Makeover
The JD Sports deal lands as new owner Macerich moves ahead with roughly $60 million in upgrades at the 1.3-million-square-foot mall after acquiring it last year, according to a company announcement distributed via GlobeNewswire. The release notes that Crabtree pulls in more than 8.7 million visitors annually, and states that Macerich is prioritizing enhanced lighting, seating, landscaping and experiential tenants to keep leasing momentum going.
Other New Tenants And Amenities
The News & Observer also reports that Escapology, an escape-room concept, is expected to open at Crabtree this spring with about 4,600 square feet and roughly 10 immersive games. Belk is slated for an interior refresh as well, with plans for a more polished personal-shopper studio, additional shop-in-shop brand corners and an in-store coffee and wine bar as part of the mall’s tenant upgrades.
What Shoppers Should Know
Shoppers who want to follow the rollout can keep an eye on JD Sports’ store pages and Crabtree’s tenant announcements for hiring news and grand opening details. Hoodline will update this story as official dates and event plans are released.
