Why Decathlon is opening a new flagship store in Leeds city centre tomorrow

Decathlon is opening at the site of the former BHS store.

The new store on Boar Lane spans 35,000 sq ft over two floors and will take the form of an experimental flagship, allowing customers to touch and interact with all products in their showrooms.

Since it’s UK launch over 20 years ago, Decathlon has grown into one of the UK’s leading outdoor and sports retailers. The latest addition to the brand’s portfolio is its second in the region, bringing its total number of UK stores to 44.

The store will initially focus on click and collect and essential items only, ahead of the full launch in April, in adherence to government guidelines. This includes a new Covid-safe initiative called click and drive, where customers' products are brought out to their cars much like a drive-thru.

It will also operate a workshop service from launch - repairing items such as bikes, kayaks and tents.

David Baker, Decathlon Leeds store manager, is leading the development. He has nearly five years’ experience in the company and is returning to his home city to head up this new project.

Mr Baker said: “Since my first day at Decathlon, it has been a dream of mine to open a store in my home city of Leeds.

"I am very excited we can help make sport more accessible to people in the city.

"We’ve already built strong relationships with a number of partners, including Leeds Dock Running and Cycling Club and Active Leeds.

"Going forwards we can’t wait to connect with all the sport enthusiasts in and around the city.

“It’s also no coincidence that Leeds is twinned with Decathlon’s home city, Lille – it has long been a target location of ours and we’re delighted to finally be here.

"We have spent a lot of time during the pandemic making sure our offer at Trinity is perfectly tailored to the local customer needs, and we’re in no doubt that this young and vibrant city will embrace Decathlon Leeds as the go to store for all sports-related products and services.”

Trinity Leeds brings together over 120 local, national and international brands under one roof.

James Hutchinson, portfolio manager at Landsec, said: “We’ve already seen an incredible response on our social media channels to this new store; our shoppers are counting down the days until the Decathlon launch at Trinity Leeds.

"It will be great to see the former BHS reimagined, tangible evidence of Landsec’s desire to deliver the vision for Trinity, bringing the heart of Leeds back to life.”