Staff at the Greater Manchester-based JJB Sports have gone on strike in a row over pay and conditions.
The GMB union said 266 of its members were on the picket line outside the warehouse in Martland Park, Wigan, in the early hours of the morning.
There will also be a ban on overtime from Tuesday morning as workers protest against a 3% pay rise.
Union negotiators are seeking a higher basic rate for staff and are calling for equal access to a bonus scheme.
The union says no talks are scheduled.
Staff will repeat the action on Thursday.
The company has about 430 shops in the UK and its executive director is David Whelan, owner of Wigan Athletic and its ground, the JJB stadium.
