Décathlon continues to expand in Eastern Europe and Asia. Confirming a report in Sport-Guide, Décathlon says it plans to enter the Croatian market towards the end of this year with a 3,500-square-meter store in Zagreb. It will likely be supplied out of Hungary, where Décathlon already has 12 stores. The French giant had moved last year into Bulgaria, where it now has two stores. Separately, the Indian press has reported that the number of Décathlon stores in India is set to grow from 12 to 20 in the course of this year, with a longer-term target of 50 to 60 stores. The information, which is not being confirmed by the company, was apparently given by Décathlon's new country manager in India, Steve Dykes. He previously headed the company's operations in the U.K. and he has taken the place of Michel Aballea, who has been designated as the new chief executive of the group, succeeding Yves Claude.

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