Decathlon's Irish expansion gathers pace

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 22, 2019

French sportswear retailer Decathlon has received planning permission for its first Irish store, and announced plans to open up to nine outlets across the country.

The first Irish Decathlon store will be located in Dublin in the Ballymun area, occupying 4,000 square feet of space. More than 70 sports brands will be stocked there, further expanding the retailer’s presence in Ireland following its online launch in 2017.

The site was acquired by the brand in September 2018 for €4.3 million from Dublin City Council, and will have a large external sports area with a rollerblading track, bike circuit, playground and fitness space.

Construction will start soon to bring to project to life, with the shop expected to open sometime next year, according to the firm’s plans.

Decathlon is also planning to open two further stores in Dublin in the south or west of the city, and up to six further sites throughout Ireland over the next few years.

"As a family company, we are all very excited to announce the opening of the Sports Hub with over 70 Sports located in Ballymun, just next to Ikea,” commented Decathlon in a statement.

“Our planning application has been fully granted so the construction will begin very soon. Our aim in Ireland is to have three retail touchpoints in Dublin and eventually up to nine stores across Ireland."

The French sporting goods retailer operates over 1,400 stores in 48 countries, including 44 stores in the UK.