Decathlon ended 2019 with a revenue growth of nine per cent. Decathlon’s revenues in France, its main market, rose three per cent. The French sporting goods retailer is present in 69 countries around the world, nine more than a year ago, after sealing its entry into markets such as the United States, Algeria, Vietnam, Malta, Japan, South Korea and Ukraine. The number of employees has grown from 87,000 to 93,000 workers. Decathlon has invested in store openings and corporate operations.

The target for the sportswear and goods retailer is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per product sold by 40 per cent between 2016 and 2026 for all its sports categories. Decathlon wants to achieve these targets by a number of sustainable strategies, including using 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2026 in its stores – including its 45 in the UK – and warehouses. In addition, 100 per cent of Decathlon’s new products will be eco-designed by 2021 and the retailer will also investigate into developing the sale of secondhand products throughout the store. Decathlon is also striving towards using just one per cent air freight for its transportation needs and reducing the impact of other means of transport, such as through maritime or road.