A new Decathlon store is set to open at IKEA Croydon this month, with free gifts and family activities planned to mark the launch, as reported by our sister title London Now.
The south London site will host a weekend of events, including giveaways for early shoppers and sports-themed entertainment.
The store will open at 11am on Friday, April 24, with Decathlon describing it as a “dedicated space for everyone from seasoned athletes to families getting the kids ready for their first football match”, London Now reports, where further details of the opening can be read.
To celebrate the launch, the first 100 shoppers will each receive a Quechua NH100 10L backpack and a £20 gift voucher.
On Saturday, April 25, the first 100 customers will receive a free Quechua backpack.
Monica Cedres, London City Director, Decathlon UK, said: "We’ve been looking forward to this day, and after a true team effort, we can’t wait to finally jump into action alongside our neighbours at IKEA.
"This partnership is all about making an active lifestyle as easy as a trip to IKEA.
"Croydon is a borough full of energy, and whether you’re looking for technical help with a PB or just grabbing your home and sport essentials in one go, we’re ready to help South London discover the joy of being active together."
The giveaways are available to shoppers who show a free Decathlon Membership account on arrival, which can be created in advance or on the day.
Saturday will also feature family-friendly activities, including a climbing wall, face painting, live DJs and sports challenges.
Visitors will have the chance to win prizes and take part in a “Spin to Win” wheel for a chance to walk away with Decathlon products.
The new 1,188-square-metre store offers more than 5,000 items across over 70 sports, including gear for hiking, cycling, running and swimming.
Decathlon’s Buy Back scheme will launch alongside the store opening, allowing customers to trade in used sports equipment for store credit.
The Croydon Decathlon will also offer Click & Collect, giving shoppers access to the full range of products online with in-store pickup.
The opening marks another milestone in Decathlon’s UK presence, which began in 1999 with its first store at Surrey Quays.
The brand now operates in more than 70 countries, and the Croydon site will be part of its global expansion as it nears its 50th anniversary in 2026.
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Ms Cedres said: "We can’t wait to finally jump into action alongside our neighbours at IKEA."
The partnership with IKEA is described by the company as a "world-first retail partnership" and aims to make combining home and sports shopping more convenient for families and individuals alike.
The store’s location at Valley Retail Park, Purley Way (CR0 4UZ) is expected to attract shoppers from across south London, offering a one-stop destination for both home and sporting needs.
The Decathlon Croydon store will be open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Decathlon was founded in Lille, France, in 1976 and has since become one of the world’s largest sporting goods retailers, known for affordable, technically designed products.
Ms Cedres said: "This partnership is all about making an active lifestyle as easy as a trip to IKEA."
