Decathlon, the French sport goods retailer, has begun exploring options for its Russian assets. Multiple insiders familiar with the matter say discussions are underway about a potential exit, with two large retail groups and two consulting firms cited as sources.
According to people briefed on the situation, the company is considering selling the entire Russian business. Others suggest there could be a sale of individual assets rather than a full divestiture.
In spring 2022, Decathlon operated 57 stores in Russia. Today, the footprint stands at 28 locations. Following Russia’s invasion and the subsequent Western sanctions, the retailer halted product imports into the country. By June 27, the Decathlon online store and all physical outlets remained closed in Russia, a move aligned with the group’s suspension of operations there.
The official Russian Decathlon website currently notes that sales points are temporarily closed and that sales are suspended indefinitely.
Decathlon’s press office has not commented on the potential sale of the business. The silence from the company comes amid broader signals that global brands are reassessing their Russia exposure.
Earlier reports indicated that other brands, such as H&M, were preparing to dispose of remaining inventory in Russia. There have also been indications that Nike and Decathlon, after announcing withdrawals from Russia and shuttering stores, continued to operate in select Russian marketplaces through local channels. This suggests a nuanced approach to marketplace activity even as formal store closures persisted. [citation:Market sources, press briefings, and industry insiders]