Latest news with #DecathlonSportsIndia
Fashion Network
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Decathlon aims to double sourcing from India following India EU FTA finalisation
Sports apparel and equipment retail business Decathlon aims to double its sourcing from India following the upcoming finalisation of the free trade agreement between India and the European Union, which is expected to significantly increase India's global competitiveness in the fashion industry. "Currently 6% of the total global sourcing is coming from India, which can move up to 15% in a year," Decathlon Sports India's chief executive Sankar Chatterjee told ET Bureau. "This is a ballpark figure." The FTA is currently expected to reach its conclusion in December this year. This could positively impact the wider sporting goods production sector in India, the Economic Times reported. At present, Decathlon's sourcing from India includes raw materials like yarn and textiles ranging from cotton to synthetic fibres. In the 2025 financial year, 60% of the business' total sourced goods from India in value terms was sourced for exports while the remaining 40% was used for local sales. "Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia compete on many products," said Chatterjee. "If you slash the India export duties to 0%, the game will change. Because India's lead time to Europe is much more convenient. And sometimes, when you compare with Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, it's 12 days lesser lead time for India."
Fashion Network
23-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Decathlon launches new Kerala store in Palakkad
French sportswear and equipment retailer Decathlon has expanded its presence in Kerala with a new store in Palakkad. Offering over 3,700 styles of clothing and sports goods, the new store launch reinforces the business' aim to make sports gear accessible to communities across India. 'Kerala is more than just scenic landscapes- it's a state with a deep and living connection to sport," said Decathlon Sports India's director of business development Rahul Phukan, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. "With our new store in Palakkad, we are not just expanding- we are becoming a part of this vibrant community." The store caters to sports including outdoor adventure, water sports, racket games, fitness, running, cycling, team sports, roller activities, and target-based disciplines. The store also caters to people of all ages and genders, with designated sections for each sporting category. Decathlon recently welcomed its Decathlon Production Board to India to celebrate 25 years of production in the country. "From our first production site in India in 1999, to having 70% qty of our products sold in India being made in India today, from developing over 720 new products, generating over 70,000 jobs across production directly and indirectly, we're incredibly excited for the next 25 years and beyond," the business announced on Linkedin. Decathlon entered the Indian market in 2009, initially operating under a cash-and-carry model before receiving approval for single-brand retail in 2013. The brand currently operates over 100 stores across 19 Indian states. Looking ahead, Decathlon plans to invest approximately Rs 930 crore in India over the next five years, with a focus on retail expansion, digital infrastructure, and value chain optimisation. The retailer aims to grow its footprint to 190 stores across 90 cities, with emphasis on Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.
