Decathlon opens third Irish store at restored Clerys – Business Plus

Sporting goods retailer Decathlon has opened its third Irish store at the restored Clerys Quarter on O’Connell Street in Dublin

The French company’s opened in Ballymun in 2022 and expanded into Limerick last year.

Queues spanning around the side of the building were built up in preparation for the 12pm opening, and former Dublin footballer Dean Rock was a part of the opening ceremony.

After months of sourcing, Decathlon secured a long-term partnership for a 30-year agreement at the city centre location. The opening has seen over 50 new jobs created locally, across various different areas.

The store spans two levels with a floor area of more than 2,200 sq m and has areas dedicated to running, swimming, nutrition, yoga and Pilates as well as hiking and camping, cycling, fitness, boxing, GAA, football, golf, and tennis.

The lower level contains even more sports including hiking and camping, cycling and urban mobility, fitness and boxing as well as team sports such as GAA, football, golf and tennis. 

Dublin Town, the city centre business lobby group, has welcomed the opening.

“Dublin City Centre is Ireland’s premier retail destination and the addition of an international retailer of Decathlon’s status can only provide a further boost to the city’s northside, raising footfall and engagement,” said Richard Guiney, Dublin Town CEO.

“Dublin Town continues to work towards ensuring the city centre is a first class and welcoming retail location.”

Decathlon Sports Ireland Ltd reported revenues of €38.6m in 2022, and Ballymun store is reportedly one of the Decathlon group’s best-performing stores in the world.

Photo: Dean Rock at the opening of Decathlon on O’Connell Street. (Pic: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)