French sports company Decathlon will open its third store in Hong Kong this Saturday, 15th June, in Tseung Kwan O as it continues its efforts to make sports accessible to the many in the city.
The new Decathlon store in Sheung Tak Plaza, with 36,000 sq. ft (3,500sqm) in retail space and access to an outdoor sports playground of equivalent size, is the biggest sports retail store in the city. An array of family-friendly activities across the weekends this month is organised for visitors to enjoy as part of the opening celebrations.
The Tseung Kwan O store will employ more than 80 full-time Sports Advisors and Leaders, and together with the Causeway Bay and Mongkok stores, Decathlon will see its workforce in Hong Kong increase to 270, from just 8 two years ago. Inspired by the concept of an urban neighbourhood, the new store design will feature 13,000 products from over 70 sports to be touched and tested as well as spaces to create unique social community moments for customers.
Marc Zielinski, Decathlon Hong Kong Leader, said:
“We are delighted to be opening our third store in Hong Kong this weekend, and we are proud that the Decathlon Tseung Kwan O store will become the city’s biggest sports retail space. We hope we can inspire more Hongkongers to exercise for a happy and healthy lifestyle. Decathlon aims to make sport accessible to all and we understand sports engagement can be a heavy financial burden to some. This is why we offer high quality products at competitive prices across 70 sports so everyone can have that choice. With the outdoor playground, visitors who are curious about any sport can seek the advice of our specialist Sports Leaders and fully test our products before they buy. We look forward to contributing to a healthier Hong Kong.”
Earlier today, a number of special guests including partners and local celebrities were treated to a preview of Decathlon’s retail experience highlighted by in-store digital innovations that allow customers to get a complete understanding of any product before the point of purchase.
A key part of the unique customer journey is the online catalogue of Decathlon products featuring over 13,000 models that is available on the 50” LED screens placed at prominent areas of the store. This means that even if customers cannot find the exact product they desire on the shop floor, they can visit the online catalogue in-store to compare products and learn about all the possibilities conveniently and efficiently. What’s more, customers can checkout autonomously on Decathlon mobile app for a fast and seamless shopping experience. Customers in a hurry will even be able to choose to pick up their online purchase in store in one hour, through Click & Collect 1H service.
Joyce Tang Lai-ming, one of the four cast members of popular TVB sitcom “Come Home Love: Lo and Behold” who supported a lighting ceremony riding a stationary bike to generate energy through pedal power, commented:
“Hong Kong is a fast-paced, always on, city. It is hard to find time to even breathe, and exercise can sometimes fall off the radar for all of us. I am a regular hiker, but there are plenty more activities I am curious about that I have yet to try. With so much choice here at Decathlon and a huge space to try things out, I am eager to satisfy my curiosity and experience new sports.”
Part of the 36,000 sq. ft outdoor sports playground will be transformed into a campsite replicating the famous hiking trails of Hong Kong, while at the same time showcasing Decathlon’s comprehensive range of Mountain products. Over the weekends of 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 June, visitors are invited to enjoy 28 indoor and outdoor sports activities such as cycling, stand-up paddle, archery, pétanque, and yoga among others. All activities are completely free of charge and a limited edition backpack will be awarded to Decathlon members who join in.
To further enhance the sports experience for customers, the Decathlon Tseung Kwan O store will host daily experience sharing sessions and sports classes with inspiring athletes from the community such as Edie Hu who swam around Hong Kong Island last year. These interactive sessions aim to encourage members of the public to discover new sports, and to try them with confidence, while cyclists can utilize the free bicycle workshop space to upgrade, or repair their bikes DIY style or with assistance from a Sport Leader.
Situated by the main entrance of the store, the year-round Hong Kong Sport Heroes photography gallery acknowledges those in the community who are using sports to improve their lives and want to inspire others to follow their path. With a different theme each month, a watersports exhibition with over 30 breathtaking photos will greet visitors as the store opens at 10.30AM on Saturday 15th June.
In addition, Appysport, whose main investor is Decathlon Hong Kong, has announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first all-in-one sports platform with a mission to make sports practice more accessible in the city. The Hong Kong based company founded in 2019 has started with offering tennis courts on demand that can be easily booked online and will soon expand to other sports and services.
Appysport will eventually connect sports users, sports coaches, sports associations and sports facilities in order to make it easier for everyone in Hong Kong to practice sports. The ambition of the start up is to play a key role in increasing sports practice in Hong Kong by facilitating access to it.