Edinburgh, Glasgow and Livingston targeted by Decathlon for further Scottish stores

Several Scottish locations have been targeted by a sportswear retailer after it took the wraps off a £1 million Aberdeen store.

The Aberdeen launch comes after the existing Decathlon sports superstores in Edinburgh and Glasgow saw year-on-year growth as more Scots focus on keeping healthy and fit amid the pandemic.

Decathlon is one of the largest sports retailers in the world, with more than 1,500 outlets across 57 countries.

The Aberdeen launch comes after its existing sports superstores in Edinburgh and Glasgow saw year-on-year growth as more Scots focus on keeping healthy and fit amid the pandemic.

Bosses said the group plans to open additional outlets north of the Border, with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Livingston all possible targets.

The firm has invested £1 million in re-fitting the 2,000 square metre Aberdeen store, which covers two floors, while hiring 20 staff. It is due to open for business on 22 October.

Decathlon Scottish leader Ben Hatton said: “We have seen a huge expansion in sporting participation over the last seven months, with sales in Glasgow up 10 per cent year-on-year. There’s been a boom in sales of bikes, fitness and jogging equipment and this links to our purpose to help people get into sports.

“Aberdeen was a natural choice to launch our plans to expand further in Scotland. We reckon it is Scotland’s sportiest city, with a real passion for outdoor activity such as hiking, running and water sports.

“Our mission is to help people of all levels and backgrounds get into sport, whether that is taking part in their first 5k or going out with the family for a kayak trip at the weekend.

“Our staff are local, passionate about their city, and looking forward to being very much at the heart of Aberdeen’s sporting community.”

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