Great Outdoors boss says new Decathlon store will drive footfall into Dublin city

Decathlon will join H&M and Pret a Manger in the restored Clerys building

Decathlon has expanded its presence in Ireland following the success of its €13m store in Ballymun, opposite Ikea, which opened shortly before the pandemic arrived in Ireland. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Irish-founded business Great Outdoors said it is not concerned about French sport retailing giant Decathlon moving into the Clerys building in Dublin city centre, a short distance from its location on South Great George’s St.

Great Outdoors director Derek Moody said that the decision by Decathlon to open a second shop in Dublin is “a risk” as he expects more customers to shop there but it will also create a positive effect for his business.

Mr Moody said that the opening of a new sport retailer will create footfall into the city which will benefit his business and others, especially after the riots in Dublin in November.

He said he is still keeping “a close eye on what Decathlon is doing” but said his business has its own market.

The sport supplies and activewear retailer Decathlon will open its new store in the middle of the year, creating around 50 jobs.

The French retailer will join H&M and Pret a Manger, among others, in the restored, iconic Clerys building.

Decathlon secured the space through Europa, a pan-European real estate investment, and its local partners Core Capital and Oakmount.

'Major coup'

“The arrival of Decathlon is a major coup for Clerys Quarter and means that the entirety of the scheme’s retail space is now occupied,” said Europa director of asset management James Keast.

Decathlon has expanded its presence in Ireland following the success of its €13m store in Ballymun, opposite Ikea, which opened shortly before the pandemic arrived in Ireland. The sports giant also opened a store in Parkway Retail Park in Limerick last year.