Decathlon to open first Cork store this summer

Global sports retailer to open 2,300sq m Cork store as part of multimillion-euro revamp of Douglas Village site

Decathlon to open its first Cork store at Douglas Village Shopping Centre this summer. File picture

Sports retailer Decathlon will open its first Cork store at Douglas Village Shopping Centre with doors set to open this summer.

The new store will operate within the existing Tesco store at the centre, providing more than 2,300 sq m of retail space.

Tesco Douglas is set to undergo a multimillion-euro transformation ahead of the opening, with Decathlon taking over the retailer’s current first floor later in the summer.

Decathlon already operates Irish stores in Ballymun and O’Connell Street in Dublin, as well as in Parkway, Limerick. In recent years, Decathlon was mooted for several retail outlet and shopping centre vacancies in the city, and yesterday Elena Pecos, Decathlon UK and Ireland chief executive, confirmed opening in Cork was a "long-standing ambition" for the group. 

“We are thrilled to be opening at Douglas Village Shopping Centre and to be growing our presence in Ireland," said Ms Pecos. "Cork has such a strong sporting culture and sense of community, and this partnership with Tesco allows us to meet customers where they already shop, making sport more accessible and convenient for families across the region."

Paul Healy, Tesco Ireland retail operations director said the partnership combines "two trusted brands under one roof".

Douglas Village Shopping Centre is owned by Urban Green Property, which was founded by developer Tom Coughlan. "Welcoming a globally recognised brand like Decathlon strengthens our retail offering and enhances the overall experience for our visitors,” said head of property Simon Cooper.

Decathlon first opened in France in 1976 and has grown into a global sporting brand operating in more than 70 countries, with over 1,700 stores worldwide.

Its stores stock products across hiking, running, fitness, swimming, cycling, and team sports, alongside specialised gear for activities including padel and rugby.