Decathlon reports online shopping surge as retail sales dip in 2020
Sports retail giant Decathlon has filed its UK accounts for 2020, revealing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business.
Revenue in the UK during the year dropped 4.5% to £225.7 million, with the business reaching €11.4 billion globally. Online revenue however rose 122.4% in the UK compared to 2019, showcasing the pivot in consumer behaviour during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020 the company invested £1.2 million in the opening of a new 1,700 sq metre store in Aberdeen, fulfilling the demand that the business saw in Scotland. It also invested £416,000 in the refurbishment of a store in Manchester.
Despite opening a new store, the business reduced its staff count by 77 employees and closed two locations.
Turnover growth overall decreased to -4.5% (compared to +10.3% in 2019) as stores were forced to close during Government mandated lockdowns.
