Sports chain Decathlon in great shape after UK fitness spree

Oct 4, 2020

Sports chain Decathlon is booming thanks to lockdown resurgence in hiking, cycling and camping

By Daily Mail City & Finance Reporter

Published: 16:51 EDT, 4 October 2020 | Updated: 17:06 EDT, 4 October 2020

Sports chain Decathlon is booming thanks to a lockdown resurgence in hiking, cycling and camping. 

Covid-19’s second wave is leading families to look for outdoor activities, while those still commuting are buying bikes and electric scooters to avoid public transport. 

Booming: Covid-19's second wave is leading families to look for outdoor activities

Booming: Covid-19’s second wave is leading families to look for outdoor activities

This week bosses said sales at the chain, known as the ‘Aldi of activewear’, rose 14 per cent in August and September, compared to 2019. 

Staycations have also helped the group, which is owned by the billionaire Leclercq and Mulliez families. Sales of cycling and commuting equipment rose 34 per cent and sales of hiking kit rose by 15 per cent. 

Finance chief Alberto Bottan said: ‘The recovery has been much faster than expected. The market is not stable any more.’ 

Decathlon reported a 10.3 per cent increase in sales in 2019 and an expected loss of £7.5m due in part to a £4.3m investment in new stores.

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