Victoria’s first Decathlon opens in Knoxfield with Box Hill next
The world’s biggest discount sporting retailer has opened its first Victorian superstore in Knoxfield, with clothing prices starting at just $4.50. Here’s some of the bargains you’ll find.
Outer East
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The world’s biggest discount sporting retailer has opened its first Melbourne store in Knoxfield, with 70 new staff donning their Decathlon vests.
The French company employed 70 “sporty Aussies” to work in the giant store, where the huge range of sports equipment is meant to be played with and tested.
Basketball hoops, gym multi-stations, soccer goals and archery cages can be found in the sporting warehouse, plus a basketball court and soccer pitch outside.
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The store stocks an extensive collection of exercise clothing and shoes for men, women and children, and equipment for more than 70 sports.
And it’s all at below-average prices, with women’s exercise singlets just $5.50.
Decathlon Australia chief executive Olivier Robinet said the company wanted to make sport more accessible to Australians.
“Aussies are the most sporty in the world,” he said. “But here the cost of living is high.”
Mr Robinet said the company, which designs and sells its own designs, has developed a hiking backpack for the same price as a coffee — $4.50.
But he said Decathlon’s staff were the key to the company, which has more than 1400 stores in 45 countries.
“The foundation of our success is the people we employ,” he said.
The staff cheered, sang and danced at the opening.
Staff member Liam McNulty, of Rowville, told Knox Leader he had applied to work at the store because he suited “a high-intensity, upbeat work environment”.
“The energy around here is amazing,” he said.
The 19-year-old said he had been chosen to work in the water sports section, having a background in surfing, lifesaving and paddleboarding.
Knox Mayor Jake Keogh addressed the crowd, commenting on the high energy of all the staff.
He said he first heard of the company when he saw Decathlon running activities at Knox’s Arboretum on Remembrance Day.
“You’re not just here to make money,” he said to the company’s managers. “You’re here to engage with the community.”
Knox Tennis Club was also in attendance, running a BBQ fundraiser at the front of the store.
Rotating sporting clubs will fundraise outside the store on weekends.
Decathlon’s second Victorian store will open in Box Hill South on Friday, December 7.
Mr Robert said the company’s dream was “to open two Aussies stores a year in Melbourne”.
Products can also be bought at the Australian online store.
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