Toronto, ON —
Decathlon, the global leader in sporting goods retail, has announced it will close five of its stores in the Greater Toronto Area this summer as part of a broader shift in its Canadian retail strategy.
The French retailer confirmed that locations in Brampton, Burlington, Markham, Scarborough, and Vaughan will cease operations, although final closure dates have not yet been determined.
In a statement, Decathlon Canada said it is “reimagining” its presence in the GTA as it evolves to meet changing consumer behavior.
“The retail landscape is changing with consumers valuing variety across online and in-store formats. We are adapting our approach in key markets to deliver great value, quality gear and inspire more Canadians to enjoy the wonders of sport,” the company said in a news release.
The company indicated it may return to the GTA with smaller-format stores, designed to offer faster service and a more tailored experience.
As part of its pivot, Decathlon also highlighted its same-day delivery service and potential wholesale partnerships, noting that it still operates 15 stores across Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, as well as its online platform.
While the closures will impact several employees, Decathlon Canada said it is committed to supporting affected staff and will consider them for open positions in other markets.
Founded in France, Decathlon operates more than 1,800 stores in 79 countries, making it the world’s largest sporting goods retailer.