French outdoor apparel and equipment store Decathlon opened its doors to Singaporean sports enthusiasts a little more than a week after 2016 had made its own appearance. At 35,000 square feet, the massive store made its debut, stocking over 13,000 different items and covering 45 different types of sports.
Now the largest outdoor and sports shop in Singapore, its prices, however, have not been influenced by the store’s physical size. Being a cost-conscious enterprise with the sole aim of bringing affordable and high-performance equipment to everyone, Decathlon has shed costly peripheral expenses like celebrity endorsements and put its investments in their people as well as research and development (R&D).
In the area of R&D, Decathlon holds third place amongst French companies in terms of money invested. Each of the research facilities are located in environments where the sport or activity is conducted; the research facility for mountaineering and skiing is naturally situated amongst the French Alpine peaks. Their team of 50 researchers, partnerships with research facilities, universities and a wide network of scientific laboratories has enabled Decathlon to produce an average of 40 patented products a year.
In keeping with the high-performing R&D facilities, employees are similarly invested in to craft a highly motivated, efficient organisation. Interaction with the staff exudes pure passion that is visible with a level of service uncommonly seen here.
All products at Decathlon are designed in-house and manufactured under strict quality control guidelines. There is a customer-friendly policy where items can be returned for any reason, within 30 days — a testament to the absolute confidence in the product. The same approach to trying-before-you-buy is in practice within the store as well. The customer is given ample, purpose-built spaces to try out the equipment before deciding on a purchase.
With the quality and value proposition brought to the table, you have more reason than ever to start that exercise regime or to conquer that lofty peak.
Decathlon
750A Chai Chee Road,
Level 1, Singapore 469001
