Decathlon is preparing to deploy urban stores of about 1,000 square meters in France as part of a plan to expand in medium-sized cities, it was reported in Les Echos earlier this month. The French retailer will start by converting 25 existing Decathlon Easy into Decathlon Essential stores, and then open more at a planned rate of about ten per year, with a potential estimated at about 50 outlets. The Decathlon Easy concept was adopted just three years ago, replacing the former Koodza banner. These stores are meant to focus on outdoor, winter and water sports, as well as fishing and hunting. A first Decathlon Essential store was opened last month near Bordeaux, and others are to be rebranded in the spring. The stores of about 1,000 square meters compare with outlets of 2,000 to 6,000 meters for standard Decathlon stores, with a few outsized sites of up to 12,000 square meters. Decathlon reported 300 French stores at the start of this year, but the group told Les Echos that the new format will help to cover demand for proximity shopping. The company is already trialing the smaller Decat format, on 400 square meters in Lille and 700 square meters in Bordeaux, but they will be rebranded as Decathlon City. Decathlon has also opened more urban stores in other European countries, particularly in Germany.

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