// Decathlon will create 200 new jobs by 2021
// The retailer opened 7 new stores and transformed its campus store & Surrey Quays HQ last year
// It is investing in a new warehouse to support its growing business
Decathlon has announced plans to create 200 jobs by 2021 and is investing in a new warehouse to support its growing business.
The French sporting goods retailer opened seven new stores and transformed its campus store and headquarters at Surrey Quays in London last year.
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Despite posting a pre-tax loss of £10.8 million in the same period, Decathlon aims to create jobs as well as open its 50th store in the UK.
Meanwhile, annual sales increased by 14.4 per cent during the year, and online sales grew by 19.6 per cent.
“While 2018 was a challenging year for the retail sector for a variety of reasons, 2019’s year-on-year performance has been very encouraging,” Decathlon UK chief financial officer Alberto Bottan said.
“Already we are seeing positive 2019 YTD performance with 15.9 per cent total growth, including 27.1 per cent growth in online turnover.
“There has also been encouraging performance across the UK, including a profitable first year for our new concept compact store in High Street Kensington,” he said.
Decathlon hired 248 new employees last year, bringing its total number of UK employees to 1606.
“This positive trading has encouraged further investment in the UK, not only in new stores, but also in creating a true omni-channel, seamless service between our store and online experiences,” Bottan said.
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