Decathlon to Close 5 Stores in the Greater Toronto Area as Part of New Retail Strategy
Decathlon Canada is closing five of its Greater Toronto Area (GTA) stores this summer as it shifts to a more flexible retail model. The French sporting goods giant confirmed the closures are part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing consumer habits and retail trends.
Which Stores Are Closing?
The affected locations include:
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Markham
- Scarborough
- Vaughan
These closures will leave the Ottawa store as Decathlon’s only remaining Ontario location. The company has not yet announced the final closing dates for the GTA stores.
A Strategic Shift in Retail
In a public statement, Decathlon Canada said it is “reimagining” its presence in key markets to better serve customers through both digital and physical channels.
“The retail landscape is changing, with consumers valuing variety across online and in-store formats,” the company said. “We are adapting our approach to deliver great value, quality gear, and inspire more Canadians to enjoy the wonders of sport.”
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Part of this shift includes exploring smaller brick-and-mortar formats and expanding digital services such as same-day shipping. This option allows products to leave Decathlon’s warehouse the same day customers place online orders in select regions.
Supporting Employees and Customers
Decathlon Canada said it will support employees affected by the closures and consider them for open roles in other parts of the country. The company will also continue to serve GTA customers through its website and its 15 remaining retail locations in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia.
A Sign of Broader Retail Change
This announcement comes amid a year of retail shakeups in Canada. Decathlon joins other well-known brands like Hudson’s Bay Co. and Frank and Oak in adjusting their store footprints.
Founded in France in 1976, Decathlon now operates more than 1,800 stores in 79 countries. While its physical presence in the GTA may shrink, the company maintains it remains committed to making sport accessible to Canadians wherever they live.
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Looking Ahead
Decathlon says it is open to returning to the GTA with a smaller retail format in the future. In the meantime, the focus is on digital expansion, service innovation, and wholesale partnerships with other retailers.
Do you shop at Decathlon? Will the closures impact your access to gear or how you shop for sportswear?
More…
- https://www.thestar.com/business/decathlon-worlds-largest-sporting-goods-retailer-to-close-all-toronto-area-stores/article_106ae593-6112-4f19-b54d-1114faae9578.html
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/article/decathlon-closing-5-stores-in-the-greater-toronto-area
- https://www.insidehalton.com/business/decathlon-canada-closing-5-gta-stores/article_969cad03-a050-501c-9604-7264a09d8a91.html
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