Decathlon

Decathlon was founded in 1976 in Lille, France, by Michel Leclercq with a vision to make sports accessible to as many people as possible. What began as a single sporting goods store has grown into one of the world's largest sports retailers, known for its combination of affordability, innovation, and range.

The company's unique business model includes vertical integration—Decathlon designs and manufactures many of its own products under a variety of sport-specific brands called "Passion Brands" (such as Quechua for hiking, Btwin for cycling, and Kipsta for team sports). This approach allows the company to control quality while keeping prices competitive.

Decathlon places a strong emphasis on innovation, with dedicated R&D teams working on product development across different sporting categories. The company has registered numerous patents and has won awards for its innovative designs that focus on user experience and accessibility. With a global presence in over 70 countries and more than 1,600 stores worldwide, Decathlon continues to pursue its mission of making sports participation possible for people of all skill levels and economic backgrounds.