By Leena Sidat

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Over the past couple of years, darts as a sport has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity.

Much of this is said to be attributed to the meteoric rise of one of the sport’s most remarkable emerging players, Luke Littler – recently crowned the winner of the 2025 World Championship, cementing him as the youngest world champion in darts’ history to date, aged just 17 at the time.

And now, one of the UK’s most popular darts equipment providers – which is also behind a youth training academy that Littler frequented as a child – is coming to Manchester.

With a reputation for offering quality dart equipment and expertise, Target Darts is launching its first-ever official pop-up store in the heart of Spinningfields this autumn.

Open for a limited time later this month, the shop promises an immersive experience, with new Target products, items exclusive to the pop-up, and more – making it a must-visit stop for darts fans.

A leader in the darts industry

Target Darts prides itself on being at the forefront of the darts industry, with a continued focus on innovation and quality.

Known for its fresh designs, premium quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, the business offers a wide range of products for experienced players and beginners alike.

Boasting partnerships with some of darts’ greats, including Luke Littler, 16x world champion Phil Taylor, and current world number eight Rob Cross Target Darts is a trusted and forward-thinking brand.

Alongside its high-quality products, the business has multiple patented technologies, adding to its position in the darts tech space.

These include K-Flex and Swiss Point products, the impressive Omni auto-scoring system – which records your scoring via the Dart Counter app and allows you to play online with anyone anywhere in the world – and the Virt camera, which can film your play for exciting action replays of your best shots.

What to expect at the pop-up store

Whether you’re new to the sport or a long-time player, Target Darts’ pop-up store in Spinningfields is not to be missed.

From Wednesday, September 17 to Sunday, September 28, 2025, the shop will offer an immersive experience for darts fans of varying ages and abilities.

Visitors will be able to get an exciting first look at Target Darts’ new product lines, enjoy hands-on play on the innovative Omni lanes (pre-booking required), see behind-the-scenes material of the Target brand, and get access to items exclusive to the pop-up store.

Supporting the next generation

In addition to manufacturing and providing premium dart equipment, Target Darts is committed to making the sport accessible to everyone.

That’s why it runs a dedicated youth academy, Elite 1, of which Luke Littler himself was once a member, alongside many others who aspire to play professionally.

Led by 2017 World Masters’ winner Lorraine Winstanley, the Elite 1 programme offers young people an environment with free equipment, coaching resources, and structured development plans focusing on a variety of skills to help them fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams.

Target Darts has also joined forces with various academies across the UK, forming Elite 1 Affiliated Academies, to help support the great work that communities are doing for young people with a passion for darts.

Target Darts’ pop-up store will be based at 14-15 The Avenue Spinningfields, Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3HF, from September 17 to 28, 2025.

To find out more about the store, including full opening hours, visit the website.