Will Decathlon Increase Sourcing from India to $3 Billion and Create 3 Lakh Jobs by 2030?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Decathlon plans to increase local sourcing in India to $3 billion by 2030.
- Over 3 lakh jobs will be created in the production ecosystem.
- Current sourcing from India is 8%, with a target of 15%.
- Focus will be on footwear, fitness equipment, and sports textiles.
- Goal to enhance local sourcing for 132 stores to 90% by 2030.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) Decathlon, a leading global sports retailer, has revealed its ambitious plan to escalate its local sourcing in India to $3 billion by 2030 as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
The company is targeting the creation of over 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs throughout its production network by 2030.
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary of manufacturing in India, Decathlon's move highlights an increasing commitment to Indian manufacturing, as stated in a company release. Currently, India contributes 8 percent of Decathlon’s global product supply.
The objective is to elevate this to 15 percent, focusing on high-demand categories such as footwear, fitness equipment, and advanced sports textiles.
Decathlon currently sources over 70 percent of the merchandise for its 132 Indian stores locally, with a goal to enhance this figure to 90 percent by 2030. The manufacturing infrastructure comprises 113 facilities, 83 suppliers, and 7 production offices, along with a design center.
According to Sankar Chatterjee, CEO of Decathlon India, "Our commitment to quality and rapid local production has enabled us to expand our retail presence and offer a wider range of Made in India products. We prioritize excellence as we advance into omni-channel shopping, making sports more accessible to the Indian populace."
India's industrial prowess is reshaping Decathlon's global supply chain, especially in culturally significant sectors like Yoga and Cricket, which are now entirely designed and produced in India for various markets.
“India has emerged as a pivotal element in our global production strategy,” stated Frederic Merlevede, the global production head. Decathlon also aspires to integrate production and retail operations in over 90 Indian cities by 2030, as mentioned in the statement.
The Union Cabinet has recently endorsed ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ to enhance domestic manufacturing of sports equipment. Presently, India exports 60 percent of its sporting goods. Although the global sports industry generates approximately $600 billion annually, India’s current contribution is modest, and even slight advancements in this sector could unlock significant economic and social benefits.