Reliance Retail, led by Mukesh Ambani, is gearing up to enter the competitive sports retail market, targeting the rapidly expanding athleisure segment. According to a report by the Economic Times, Reliance Retail plans to lease 8,000-10,000 sq ft spaces in prime locations across major cities for a new, yet-to-be-named brand. This move aims to replicate the successful business model of French sports retailer Decathlon.
Decathlon, which debuted in India in 2009, has seen substantial revenue growth, jumping to ₹3,955 crore in FY23 from ₹2,936 crore in FY22. Alongside Decathlon, other leading sports brands such as Puma, Adidas, Skechers, and Asics have also experienced significant growth in the Indian market.
Highlighting the importance of India as a “priority market,” Decathlon’s Chief Retail and Countries Officer, Steve Dykes, noted that India has the potential to rank among the company’s top five global markets for athleisure. Decathlon plans to continue its expansion at a steady rate, opening ten stores per year, with each store’s size tailored to local preferences. Dykes explained, “In India, each city is unique, so we tailor our offerings accordingly.”
In addition to expanding its physical presence, Decathlon is also enhancing its online presence to strengthen its digital footprint in India. This development follows reports that Reliance Retail is bringing the Chinese fast-fashion label Shein to India. Shein, a globally recognized brand, was banned in India in 2020 amid rising border tensions and a crackdown on Chinese apps.
