By Saksham Arora Decathlon was founded in 1976 in France and has grown into one of the world’s largest sports retail chains. Since entering India in 2009, Decathlon has become the go-to destination for affordable sports gear, apparel, footwear and equipment. With its massive stores and wide product range, many entrepreneurs are curious about opening a Decathlon franchise. This article explains Decathlon’s actual business model, the investment you would need if it were franchised in India, and whether it’s a suitable opportunity.
About the Decathlon Brand
Decathlon offers products for more than 70+ sports, including cricket, football, cycling, trekking, gym, yoga and swimming. The brand is trusted for its combination of affordability, quality and innovation. Its large-format outlets attract families, professionals, students and sports hobbyists throughout the year.
Is Decathlon a Franchise or Company-Owned Model in India?
Decathlon currently does not offer franchises in India.
All Decathlon stores in India are company-owned and operated.
Individuals cannot open an official Decathlon franchise as of now.
However, for those curious about the business potential, we can estimate the cost structure if Decathlon ever opens its franchise model in India.
Estimated Decathlon Franchise Cost in India (Hypothetical)
If Decathlon were to franchise its stores, the investment would be significant due to large store size, high inventory and infrastructure requirements.
Estimated investment range:
- Small or Compact Outlet: ₹3–5 crore
- Standard Large-Format Store: ₹5–10 crore
Most full-scale stores would likely fall in the ₹5–10 crore range.
Estimated Cost Breakdown (If Franchise Becomes Available)
- Franchise Fee: ₹10–20 lakh
- Store Interiors, Flooring & Fit-Out: ₹1–2 crore
- Display Racks, Shelving & Trial Zones: ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore
- Initial Inventory (sports gear, apparel, shoes, accessories): ₹2–4 crore
- Billing Systems, POS, Security, CCTV: ₹10–20 lakh
- Staff Hiring & Training: ₹10–20 lakh
- Working Capital Reserve: ₹25–50 lakh
- Rental Deposit for Large Store: Depends on city and property size
Because Decathlon stores are huge (20,000–40,000 sq ft), inventory alone forms the largest expense.
Space & Location Requirement
Decathlon typically uses large retail spaces:
- Minimum Area: 10,000–20,000 sq ft
- Ideal Area: 20,000–40,000 sq ft
Best locations include highways, commercial hubs, malls with extra space, or standalone buildings with parking.
Profit Margin & ROI (Estimated)
If Decathlon offered franchises, expected performance would resemble:
- Monthly Revenue: Very high in metro and tier-1 cities
- Net Profit Margin: 10%–15%
- Profit Per Month: Significant, depending on store size and location
- ROI Timeline: 3–5 years due to high investment
Retail volume and footfall would drive success.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges (Estimated)
If franchised, Decathlon would likely charge:
- Royalty on monthly sales
- Marketing contribution
Franchisee would handle all store operations including rent, salaries, utilities, inventory and maintenance.
Support Expected from Decathlon (If Franchise Were Offered)
- Store layout, design & construction support
- Staff training for sales, product knowledge and customer service
- Inventory management guidance
- National and regional marketing campaigns
- Access to internal brands (Quechua, Kipsta, Domyos, etc.)
Who Should Invest in a Decathlon Franchise (Hypothetical)?
- Investors with ₹3–10 crore capital
- People interested in large-format retail
- Entrepreneurs with access to huge commercial spaces
- Those capable of managing high-volume retail operations
Not ideal for small investors or those seeking a low-maintenance business.
Risks & Challenges
- Very high initial investment
- Requires massive space with good parking
- Inventory management is complex due to large SKUs
- Strong operational discipline needed
- Profitability depends heavily on footfall
Conclusion
Decathlon is a powerful and highly trusted retail brand. However, it does not currently offer franchises in India. If it ever does, the investment would likely be in the ₹3–10 crore range due to massive store size and inventory. For now, entrepreneurs can only explore employment or business partnerships with Decathlon — not franchise ownership.