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Sporting giant Decathlon announces hundreds of jobs at eastern suburb’s stores

INTERNATIONAL sporting goods company Decathlon has announced it will be opening two new stores in Melbourne.

Customers are encouraged to test out equipment in the 'active zone' of the store.
Customers are encouraged to test out equipment in the 'active zone' of the store.

INTERNATIONAL sporting goods company Decathlon has announced it will be opening two new stores in Melbourne, with hundreds of job openings expected.

As one of the world’s largest sporting retailers, the French company revealed it will be moving to Victoria in a boon for job seekers.

Stores in Box Hill South and then Knoxfield will open for business in November.

Decathlon Australia chief executive Olivier Robinet said up to 100 people will be employed in each store.

“I am very confident we will quickly become an important part of the community,” he said.

“We want to employ sport-loving locals and engage the community because when that happens, sporting clubs in the area grow too.”

Dormant Masters warehouses will be transformed with locally sourced builders and equipment to play a vital role in the site revamps.

The move comes as the company announced plans for five stores across the state during the next two years.

Customers will be able to use ‘active zones’ within the store to try out equipment and even take it home for up to a week to make sure it is right for them.

With 1200 stores across the globe in 30 countries and 80,000 staff worldwide, the major retailer will take on the likes of Amazon and Rebel Sport.

Mr Robinet said the decision to move the brand to Victoria was an easy one.

“Melburnians are very sporty people and it makes sense to open up where so many people play sport,” he said.

The new stores will each include products from more than 70 sports and will employ up to 100 people.
The new stores will each include products from more than 70 sports and will employ up to 100 people.

Both the Box Hill South and Knoxfield stores will be more than 3800sq m in size, and cater for more than 70 sports while carrying 7000 different products.

Mr Robinet said as a general rule, Decathlon tries to not waste money on advertising, preferring to reinvest the money on its products and communities.

“Other big companies spend a lot of money on advertising which ultimately means their products are more expensive but we don’t operate like that,” Mr Robinet said.

“Victoria will love Decathlon. We are all about contributing to the local community and assisting Australians to participate in sport. We are fun, engaging and full of passion.”

The front of each store will include a large community sporting area where sporting clubs can showcase themselves and stage sign-up days.

Decathlon is one of the world’s largest sporting retailers, and started in France.
Decathlon is one of the world’s largest sporting retailers, and started in France.

An additional area also enables local sporting organisations to host barbecues and other events for fundraising.

Decathlon requires customers to become members before purchasing products however membership is free and can be completed in store.

For more details, visit www.decathlon.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/outer-east/sporting-giant-decathlon-announces-hundreds-of-jobs-at-eastern-suburbs-stores/news-story/5845894ffb1f3972024204788b58d44c