The Ikea Of Sports Retailing: Decathlon Is Coming To Ireland
French sports retail company Decathlon has announced it's intention to open nine stores in Ireland. The family owned company was founded in 1976 and has 1,350 stores across over 40 countries and was recently voted as France's best loved brand.
We will take the time to find the perfect place to fit our concept. It’s hard to find commercial places, but we’re not in a rush, and if we have to open in 2021 it’s not a problem. We’re here to stay for the long term.
Mr Grandgeorge said it is a goal of the company is to develop its own brand for Gaelic sports:
We don’t believe there’s a small market, only a market to be developed.
Grandgeorge also revealed that the company is close to negotiating a deal for a 2,000-5,000 square metre store on the outskirts of Dublin.
Once their Dublin store opens, Decathlon will then seek to open stores in Galway and Cork. A further two stores could then follow in Dublin, as well as another three around the country.
Decathlon is different from other sports retailers in that in makes it's own brand of sportswear will Grandgeorge committing to offering prices 20 per cent less than competitors.
We are as excited as you are :]
Enjoy your Sport!
See you soon ;]— Decathlon Ireland (@DecathlonIE) February 5, 2018