MADRID, 23 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Decathlon, the global multi-specialist sports brand, has closed 2023 in Spain with a turnover of 2,127 million euros (including VAT), which represents a 10 percent growth in turnover compared to 2019 values, reaching 123 million euros in net profit and contributing 12 percent of the company’s global turnover.
According to the company’s press release on Friday, online sales accounted for 13.43 percent of total sales, representing a 10.6 percent increase. Circular sales also accounted for 2.17 percent of total sales, representing a 25 percent increase compared to 2022.
In 2023, Decathlon Group increased its revenue by 4.4% compared to 2022 at constant interest rates, while digital sales accounted for 17.4% of the Group’s revenue (+0.7 points compared to 2022), with net income reaching 931 million euros.
In addition, as far as its network of stores and logistics centres is concerned, Decathlon has a presence throughout Spain, having ended 2023 with 174 stores and 7 logistics centres, the relocation of the City Málaga store and an expansion of its City Orense centre.
In terms of human capital, the company had a workforce of more than 11,000 employees last year, among whom 7.8 million euros of the profit were shared, while in terms of tax contributions, in the form of corporate tax and social security, the company paid more than 124 million euros.
“In 2023, we have faced significant challenges that have led us to operate in a very volatile market. However, this has been a boost to transform ourselves and lay the foundations for the future, so we are satisfied with the results we have achieved; always thanks to the dedication and commitment of all our teams,” said Borja Sánchez, CEO of Decathlon Spain.
In 2023, Decathlon has continued to work on its roadmap to advance its sustainability goals and has achieved that 39% of the products sold have been designed using an eco-design approach, compared to 25% in 2022.
In this regard, the company indicated that circular sales, which account for 2.17% of total turnover, place Decathlon Spain as the second country in the Group in terms of circularity thanks to its Second Life and Rental and Subscription services, available both in its large-format stores and on its website. These actions, among others, have driven the reduction of absolute CO2 emissions derived from its activity in Spain.
Decathlon also celebrates that its purpose ‘Moving people through the wonders of sport’ helps it build a culture with a deep sense of connection and belonging that leads to innovation and performance at all levels. Thus, in March 2023, it signed its II Company Equality Plan, with which it aims to continue optimizing the work environment and the capabilities and potential of its entire workforce for four more years, as well as the quality of life and well-being of its employees.
It has not neglected the issue of inclusion and diversity either, and through its Foundation, it has contributed with 9 projects to touch the lives of 1,964 people thanks to its objective of promoting and encouraging an active, quality life, accessible and full, through the benefits of sport. It has also achieved parity in its workforce of more than 11,000 collaborators, while 67 percent of the teams are shareholders of the company.
In terms of collaborations, Decathlon has signed an agreement with the Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports (FEDME) with the aim of joining forces in support of mountain sports and mountaineering, and has also joined the ‘Woman in bike’ programme of the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC).
Similarly, together with some of the most important companies in the sector, it created the Association for the Management of Textile Waste (SCRAP) with the aim of managing textile and footwear waste generated in the Spanish market, and within the framework of its strategic plan for real estate sustainability, Decathlon consolidated its commitment to self-consumption and the production of renewable energy with the installation of 12,542 m2 of photovoltaic solar panels and canopies in 17 of its centres in Spain with the help of EiDF Solar and EDP.
In addition, more than 400 charging points for electric vehicles were installed in collaboration with EDP, and during 2023 Decathlon also renewed its signature with the Pact for Biodiversity and Natural Capital, held its 10th Environmental Volunteering Conference and joined in the creation of the Active Mobility Manifesto.
Now, looking ahead to 2024, Decathlon Spain has launched various projects such as the aforementioned ‘Moving people through the wonders of sport’ and its new brand identity (under the claim ‘Ready to Play’). This has meant, among many other changes, the beginning of the transformation of its stores, starting with the one in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), along with 9 more in Europe, and will carry out this modernisation in 26 more stores nationwide soon.
In addition, the company has strengthened its presence in Extremadura with a more experiential store, to respond to the needs of customers in Cáceres, and in line with its development strategy, it announced the acquisition of ‘Bergfreunde’, the German website specializing in mountain sports, climbing and equipment for outdoor Backcountry activities, and the launch of ‘Decathlon Pulse’, focused on building new long-term growth drivers.
It also continued to forge strategic alliances at the sporting level, such as co-sponsoring the AG2R La Mondiale team, or partnering with UEFA as the official supplier of balls for the Europa League and the Conference League.
At a national level, it has been the official sponsor of the Quebrantahuesos, along with its exclusive Van Rysel RCR as the official bicycle of the event, and has become the official store of the Premier Pádel competitions in Seville, Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona, and has incorporated Jesús Calleja and the personal trainer and physiotherapist Crys Dyaz as brand ambassadors.
It has also continued to strengthen its alliances with different sports federations such as the agreement with the Madrid Volleyball Federation, the Padel Federation and the renewal of its commitment to the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation. In terms of employment, it has signed its IX Company Collective Agreement with an accumulated salary increase of 15 percent for the next 3 years.
“At Decathlon, we believe that sport plays a vital role in helping society to be healthier and happier. During 2024, with our new ambition and the launch of our new brand, we have developed a new strategy to evolve in different areas of our business. This includes reformulating the customer experience, strengthening the digital channel and accelerating the movement towards new circular models,” says Borja Sánchez.