Decathlon continues Swiss expansion

Decathlon, one of the world's largest sporting goods retailers with annual sales of around 10 billion euros and over 1,250 sales outlets worldwide, is continuing its expansion in Switzerland. The French group launched its online offensive in this country at the end of 2016; In April 2017, the first Decathlon store was opened in the Migros Marin Centre shopping center in Marin-Epagnier in the canton of Neuchâtel.

In January of this year, several media reported that Decathlon was entering into a cooperation with the sporting goods retailer Athleticum (Maus Frères Holding) and, according to the plans, would open a store in a Geneva Athleticum branch in April 2018 as a first step. As part of an overall agreement, the entire Athleticum chain would gradually be managed under the Decathlon brand. Maus Frères had apparently been looking for a buyer for Athleticum for some time.

Decathlon rents 3,000 sqm in PSCF property

In February, Decathlon announced plans for a new superstore in the Lake Geneva region: In the second half of 2019, the French company plans to open a new 3,000 square meter store in Villeneuve, Vaud, in a building formerly rented by Top Tip (Coop Group). The company has concluded a ten-year lease agreement with real estate asset manager Procimmo SA. According to Procimmo, the property, which is part of the Procimmo Swiss Commercial Fund (PSCF) portfolio, will be extensively renovated. Following the transformation work, a new center with various commercial areas and leisure facilities will be created.

Procimmo SA has also signed a lease agreement with the company Grimper.ch, which will set up its third climbing room after Fribourg and Echandens. Grimper.ch will occupy 2,000 square meters of space with a height of up to 15 m in a tower that was previously used as a warehouse by Top Tip. Outdoor climbing walls will also be installed on two of the tower's outer facades.