Is Decathlon Set to Elevate Sourcing from India to $3 Billion and Generate 300,000 Jobs by 2030?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Decathlon plans to increase local sourcing to $3 billion by 2030.
- Aim to create 300,000 jobs through local production.
- Current contribution from India is 8 percent, with a goal of 15 percent.
- Focus on sectors like footwear, fitness, and sports textiles.
- 90 percent of store items to be sourced locally by 2030.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) The renowned global sports retailer Decathlon has unveiled plans to escalate its local sourcing in India to $3 billion by 2030, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative.
The company's objective is to create over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs within its production framework by 2030.
As Decathlon marks the 25th anniversary of its production journey in India, this decision underscores a heightened emphasis on Indian manufacturing, according to a statement from the company. Currently, India contributes 8 percent of Decathlon's global product supply.
The goal is to enhance this contribution to 15 percent, particularly in high-potential segments such as footwear, fitness equipment, and advanced sports textiles.
Decathlon currently procures over 70 percent of the items sold in its 132 stores in India from domestic sources and aims to raise this figure to 90 percent by 2030. Their manufacturing network comprises 113 facilities, 83 suppliers, and seven production offices along with a design center.
According to Sankar Chatterjee, Decathlon India CEO, "Our emphasis on quality and speed in local manufacturing has enhanced our retail capabilities and expanded our range of Made in India products. We focus on excellence as we grow our omni-channel shopping experience and make sports more accessible to the people of India."
India's industrial strengths are reshaping Decathlon's global supply chain, particularly in culturally significant segments like Yoga and Cricket, which are now fully designed and produced in India for various regions.
Frederic Merlevede, the global production head, stated, "India has become a pivotal element of our global manufacturing efforts." The company aims to integrate production and retail operations in over 90 Indian cities by 2030, as indicated in their statement.
The recent approval of the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025' by the Union Cabinet aims to enhance domestic manufacturing of sports goods. Currently, India exports 60 percent of its sports products. While the global sports industry generates approximately $600 billion annually, India's current market share remains relatively small, suggesting that even modest advancements in this sector could unlock significant economic and social benefits.