Decathlon Canada to Close Five Toronto-Area Stores

A Decathlon store is shown in this handout photo from Laval, Que. The Canadian Press/Handout

French sporting goods retailer Decathlon will shutter five of its stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this summer.

Decathlon Canada said in a statement that its “evolving” its retail strategy in the GTA, including changing its store presence in the area.

“The retail landscape is changing with consumers valuing variety across online and in-store formats,” Decathlon said the notice. “We are adapting our approach in key markets to deliver great value, quality gear and inspire more Canadians to enjoy the wonders of sport.”

Decathlon will be closing its stores in Brampton, Burlington, Markham, Scarborough, and Vaughan this summer. The company has yet to announce the exact closing date.

Fifteen other retail locations will remain open across the country in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Decathlon’s Ottawa store will be its only remaining retail location in Ontario. Meanwhile, the company says it is considering a “return to brick-and-mortar stores with a smaller footprint” in the GTA.

The company also closed its small retail store located in Toronto’s Union Station at the beginning of April this year.

Decathlon said it will continue to serve customers online, where it recently launched a “same-day shipping service” for the GTA, Greater Montreal Area, Ottawa, and Quebec City. The service allows customers who place an order for standard products on weekdays before 4 p.m. to receive their delivery within 24 hours.

“We are staying agile in our retail strategy, considering our options for quicker, more efficient service that meet our customers where they are with the products they love,” Decathlon said.

Decathlon started as a family-run company in France in 1976, and now operates more than 1,700 stores around the world in more than 60 countries.

The company says it will support its employees who will be affected by the closures and will “consider all employees who want to apply for open positions in other markets.”

Other Closures

Other large retailers operating in Canada have announced they are closing their doors this year including Canada’s oldest company, Hudson’s Bay, which permanently closed its stores across Canada following final liquidation sales on June 1.

The company filed for creditor protection in March, citing “significant challenges” in its ability to pay landlords, vendors, and suppliers.

Other retail stores that have closed this year include Montreal apparel business Frank And Oak and farm goods store Peavey Mart. Vancouver clothing brand Oak + Fort, eyewear chain Hakim Optical, and the parent company of Ricki’s, Cleo, and Bootlegger, Comark Holdings Inc., also filed for creditor protection and have begun restructuring their companies.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.