InvestInFlanders's video: How Decathlon scores in Flanders

From its central location and world-class infrastructure to its sports-loving people: here’s why Decathlon (France) invests in Flanders. French sports retail chain Decathlon designs and manufactures 85% of the sports articles that are sold in its stores. As a result, the products are exclusive, yet very reasonably priced. “In 2017, Decathlon Belgium celebrated its 20th anniversary,” says director of real estate Koen Tengrootenhuysen. During that time, the company has significantly expanded the sports market. “Our mission is to make sports accessible to as many people as possible.” To optimize its distribution operations in Belgium and part of the Netherlands, Decathlon has invested EUR 7.11 million in a new distribution center in Willebroek. The new facility is centrally located between Antwerp and Brussels. “Our French shareholder is pleased with our results,” says Koen. “People in Flanders are easygoing. They like sports, but also appreciate living the good life. They enjoy buying gifts and spending money – something investors like to hear.” In Flanders, Decathlon found the fabric its distribution segment needed: a tax-friendly environment, budget-friendly rental and construction costs, and access to major markets. “The world’s densest transportation infrastructure and the region’s motivated multilingual talent pool will have your company on the cutting edge in no time,” Koen concludes. Touch base with the experts at Flanders Investment and Trade and learn how your distribution business can make it big in Flanders.