Indigenous sports retail brand to rival French giant Decathlon; Ambani means business

MUMBAI: Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail is ready for a new venture into the sports field. As per reports, Reliance is already in talks to lease acres of land in prime locations across India to kick off their new venture which will rival French giant Decathlon in the sports business. Economic Times reports the company plans to lease 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of space in prime locations in top cities for the yet-to-be-named brand.

Decathlon entered the Indian market in 2009. In 2023, the company’s financial revenue soared to ₹3,955 crores from ₹2,936 crore in 2022. Apart from Decathlon, other sports brands have also seen huge growth in India. Top sports brands such as Puma, Skechers, Adidas and Asics had a revenue of Rs 5,022 crore two years ago, but by 2023, it has become Rs 11,617 crore.

At an event in India in March, Decathlon's Chief Retail and Country Officer Steve Dykes declared India as the most important global market of the country. To keep pace with India's digital growth, Decathlon has also made a presence in the online market. With this possibility in mind, Reliance is taking lessons from the rapid growth of Decathlon in India and is gearing up to do similar wonders.

Every state in India has unique preferences. Reliance will look to tailor the offers according to the needs of customers in different states. At least 10 retail showrooms will be set up across the country in the first phase.