Decathlon (retailer)

Decathlon SE is a French sporting goods retailer founded by Michel Leclercq in 1976. It is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world, with over 2,080 stores in 56 countries and regions. The company manages its research, design, production, logistics, and distribution in-house, partners with global suppliers, and markets its own brands directly to consumers in Decathlon-branded big-box stores.

 History 
Decathlon started with a store in Lille, France, and expanded abroad to Germany in 1986, Spain in 1992, Italy in 1993, Belgium in 1997, and many other countries in subsequent years. The company employs more than 87,000 staff from 80 different nationalities and markets its products under more than 20 brands. Its research and development facilities are located across France, where the company develops its product designs, registering up to 40 patents per year. In January 2022, Decathlon named Barbara Martin Coppola as its new global CEO. Decathlon is an official partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 References 

Category:1970s establishments in France
Category:1976 establishments in Europe
Category:Manufacturing companies of France
Category:Retail companies of France
Category:Villeneuve-d'Ascq