Sporting goods brand Decathlon UK is set to open a new store inside the former Next unit on Liverpool’s Church Street.
The company, which operates more than 2,000 outlets around the world, including one inside Asda in Huyton, will take over the ground floor of the six storey building. The new store, set over 2,500 sqm, opens next week.
Next, which vacated the building during lockdown in 2020, has opened a huge new store inside the former Forever 21 just down the street. Signs for Decathlon were placed outside the former Next store back in summer 2021 - but now the retailer is ready to open.
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The store aims to help to inject millions of pounds into Liverpool’s high street, as well as creating 40 jobs for local residents with a passion for sport. The new Church Street store will offer customers value on a range of expertly designed, quality sports clothing, equipment, and accessories.
Decathlon sells everything from athletic wear, sporting equipment, camping goods and more. The chain prides itself on offering “the best quality at the lowest possible price”. Shoppers will be able to ask for expert advice from Decathlon’s store teammates, while also being able to touch and try the products before purchasing.
Products from the Second Life collection, an initiative which sees Decathlon repair sports equipment so they can be reused by customers and reduce waste, will be available to customers in the store at a discounted price. Decathlon’s range of Ecodesign products, which incorporates environmental impact from its conception to ensure they are as environmentally conscious as possible, will also be available.
Ross Farrington, Decathlon’s retail leader in the North, said: “We’re delighted to be opening a brand new flagship store in the vibrant and sport loving city of Liverpool. With the mountains of North Wales and amazing beaches right on the doorstep, customers can leave Decathlon with everything they need to make the most of the Great British Summer!
“Our mission is to help make sport more accessible, from kayaking to football we have innovative products expertly designed in house at Decathlon, with prices that will appeal to everyone. We’ve recruited a local team of sports experts to advise and assist customers on their journey both in terms of finding the perfect sporting solution and also where best to practise that sport in and around Liverpool.”
Lewis Albutt, store leader at Decathlon Liverpool, added: “I’m very excited to be leading this new project for Decathlon in Liverpool, a city where both sport and culture are equally important and engrained in the local DNA. The Decathlon concept brings something totally unique to the high street, showcasing over 70 sports both in store and online, across 2500sqm over two floors, right in the heart of the city centre on Church Street.“
Decathlon opens on Church Street on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11am.
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