An Inaugural Canadian Store - Décathlon opens its doors, creating some hundred jobs

BROSSARD, QC, April 19, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - After a very busy pre-opening on April 18^th, Décathlon will officially open the doors of its first Canadian store and welcome customers on Saturday, April 21^st at 9 am. And because accessibility is one of Décathlon's core values, on April 21st and 22^nd, shuttle busses will be offered and run every hour from Bonaventure and Longueil metro stations. 

A real playground
Upon entering the store, visitors will discover more than 6,500 products and accessories for the practice of 65 sports in the newly renovated 60,000 square foot space of the sporting goods French chain, which includes several designated product testing areas. In addition to wide aisles where bikes and skateboards can be tested, and in which soccer balls can be dribbled, Décathlon also has an indoor rock climbing wall and a pool of water to try out the watercrafts offered in store.

"We have been eagerly awaiting this moment for a year and a half now - to finally meet Quebec sports fans. It's very exciting," says Ludovic Atroune, who will be managing the Brossard store. "Over the last few months, we've felt a bustling interest, and on Saturday, we'll actually be in direct contact ? meeting with and engaging in conversations about sports, the ones that people already practice and those our hundreds of sports leaders will help them discover. "

A collaborative initiative
The opening of a block buster project such as the one Décathlon is inaugurating this week, is a long-term project deemed impossible to implement without a solid team and the support of a network of experienced local collaborators. "The core of our team has been in Quebec since the summer of 2017. Since then, many local partners have helped us discover our new environment, in terms of culture as well as working protocols in fields such as human resources and communication - firms like Solutions Conseils Rézoway or Umalia, for example," explains Nicolas Roucou, who has been leading the establishment of Décathlon in the country. "The contribution of our allies, who today became friends, was vital to our seamless implementation."

The sporting goods chain also invites athletes of all levels to become a Décathlon member. This is a way for the company to develop a relationship based on trust, respect, and especially duration. By becoming members, fans have access to exclusive products as well as a simplified shopping experience, in addition to being recognized during their navigation on the various sites. All this aims to make their overall experience at Décathlon unique and remarkable.

A major pole of attraction
"The arrival of Décathlon at the Mail Champlain is a major event for us. The company's commercial proposition is entirely in line with Mail Champlain's new positioning, which will focus on family," said Caroline Lacroix, Vice President, Communication and Marketing at Cominar. "We are confident that the advent of this prestigious retailer will enhance the consumer experience and create a positive influence on the center's ridership."

Opening hours for Décathlon will be the same as those of the Mail Champlain: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday and Friday, from 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday of 9 am at 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

About Décathlon
Founded in 1976, the global chain of sporting goods Décathlon now counts close to 1 500 stores some forty countries, including more than 300 in France alone. With more than 80,000 teammates, the company is driven by a constant ambition: innovate in all areas in order to remain the primary sports partner of all who play. For more information, visit www.decathlon.ca. 

SOURCE Décathlon