Decathlon is to close its sports and lifestyle store on the Purley Way, as the business downsizes to relocate in a purpose-built standalone unit within Croydon’s Ikea in Valley Retail Park.
Towering success: Ikea is about to welcome a lodger
Ikea Croydon will be the first in the country to host a Decathlon “lodger”, as the business’s owner, Ingka Group, seeks to increase the number of visitors to their stores and eke out more income from their property. It is suggested that this “co-habiting” arrangement will be the first of several with Decathlon and, potentially, other brands.
The new 1,188sqm Decathlon will be about one-fifth of the size of its existing Purley Way floorspace, contained within Ikea’s overall 25,000sqm.
Decathlon on Purley Way opened in 2015. The new, snug Decathlon store will be ready to open “this spring”, Ikea says.
Ikea will “become a one-stop shopping destination for lifestyle needs where customers can be inspired and design and create their dream home spaces at IKEA, alongside discovering new sporting passions and the joy of being active at Decathlon”, the Swedish retailers say, unusually without mentioning meatballs.
“The retailers share a commitment to offering well‑designed, high‑quality products at accessible prices, helping customers create a better everyday life, both in and out of the home.” Which is nice.
The Decathlon offer will include more than 5,000 products across hiking, camping, running, fitness, swimming, cycling and more. The Decathlon store will also offer services such as Buyback, “to keep high-quality gear in play”, and click and collect at this out-of-town-centre location with copious car parking.
Multi-discipline store: Decathlon will have its own dedicated entrance at Ikea Croydon
Launch activities and opening offers “delivered by a local team of passionate sports experts” are to be announced soon, the retailers say.
Kim Chin-Sung, market manager for Ikea Croydon, said: “We first opened Ikea Croydon back in 1992 and since then, the way people shop has changed.
“The new Decathlon unit coming to IKEA Croydon is the latest example of us investing in and reimagining our stores to ensure customers and co-workers continue to get the most out of these spaces.”
Ikea continues to expand its stores, opening at seven new locations in 2025, including in Oxford Street and in Brighton town centre.
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