Decathlon has begun offering two-hour delivery in India’s largest cities, marking the sports retailer’s first major push into the country’s fast-growing quick-commerce space. The service, now active across seven metros, is available exclusively through the Decathlon app and allows shoppers to receive a wide range of sporting gear within a 120-minute window.
Sankar Chatterjee, chief executive of Decathlon India, confirmed that the company has been running the service quietly as a live pilot. He said early demand has been encouraging and hinted at a wider rollout once Decathlon gathers enough operational data. Deliveries are currently being managed through the company’s in-house logistics teams rather than external partners, a move aimed at tighter control over speed and fulfilment quality.
The launch comes at a time when customers expect both convenience and rich in-store experiences. Decathlon is responding on both fronts. Its Whitefield outlet in Bengaluru has just been rebuilt into a flagship format and now includes a sprawling 26,000-square-foot playground. The open space supports activities such as football, basketball, skating, cricket and cycling, and is part of a broader effort to create stores that act as both retail hubs and sporting communities.
Across India, 76 of Decathlon’s 136 stores already feature similar practice zones. These facilities generate a modest revenue stream through usage charges, but the company maintains that the primary goal is to help people try, learn and play. Executives say shopper engagement inside these spaces consistently leads to higher product adoption.
Decathlon has also accelerated its digital upgrades. Stores now use RFID for faster inventory checks, self-checkout counters for shorter queues and tablets that let customers browse and order additional products. Leadership said the investments reflect the reality that Indian consumers move seamlessly between online and offline shopping. Decathlon is targeting annual revenue of Rs 8,000 crore by 2030 and says it is progressing steadily toward that goal.
