Decathlon, the leading sporting goods retailer in Romania, ended last year with 310 million lei (EUR69 million) revenue, about 33% higher than in 2013 and eight times the 2009 level, the year when it opened its first store in the country.
Three of its 14 stores in Romania are located in Bucharest and the next move will be another Bucharest store, this time in the north of the city, in Baneasa.
Ziarul Financiar has recently reported that Mega Image supermarket chain had partnered with Decathlon to build a new space to accommodate their stores across the street from the Ikea furniture store and Baneasa Shopping City. This area is where Baneasa Shopping City of businessman Gabriel Popoviciu and Ikea, Carrefour, Mobexpert (furniture) and Brico Depot (DIY) operate. In all, the area generates about half a billion euro revenue, according to ZF estimates.
“Yes, I confirm the common project in Baneasa. We both want to propose something different in Baneasa. Our two concept stores will propose a new, fresh and unique experience,” says Eric Mazillier, chief executive officer of Decathlon.
The Decathlon store will be slightly bigger than 4,000 square meters and will sell products for 60 sports, some of which exclusive. Visitors will be able to test products and get a full range of services, he added.
The executive did not say whether the retailer bought the land in Baneasa or rented it and did not provide any other financial details. Construction has not begun yet but will soon, Mega Image told ZF.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)