Decathlon Announces Major Move to IKEA Croydon Location
Sports retail giant Decathlon is set to open a new store in an unexpected location this spring – inside the massive IKEA building on Purley Way in Croydon. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time Decathlon has established a presence within an IKEA store anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Store Details and Location Shift
The new Decathlon outlet will occupy 1,188 square meters as a standalone unit within IKEA's enormous 25,000 square meter building at Valley Retail Park. Customers will access the sports retailer through its own dedicated entrance and exit points while shopping at the Swedish furniture destination.
This relocation comes with significant changes for local shoppers. The current Decathlon branch on Purley Way, situated near Sainsbury's, will permanently close its doors once the new IKEA location opens. While exact dates for both the opening and closure remain unannounced, the transition is scheduled for this spring season.
The future of the soon-to-be-vacant Decathlon building near Sainsbury's remains uncertain, with no confirmed plans yet revealed for what might replace the substantial retail unit.
Product Range and Customer Services
The Decathlon store within IKEA Croydon will stock more than 5,000 products across multiple sporting categories including:
- Camping and outdoor equipment
- Fitness gear and accessories
- Swimming supplies and swimwear
- Cycling equipment and bicycles
Customers can expect special launch activities and opening offers when the store debuts. The location will feature Decathlon's popular BuyBack scheme, allowing shoppers to trade in pre-owned sports equipment for gift cards. A dedicated click-and-collect area will also be available for online purchases.
Retail Leadership Perspectives
Kim Chin-Sung, Market Manager for IKEA Croydon, commented on the innovative partnership: "We first opened IKEA Croydon back in 1992 and since then, the way people shop has changed dramatically. At IKEA, we firmly believe our physical stores play a vital role both as shopping destinations and as sources of inspiration for our customers."
"The new Decathlon unit coming to IKEA Croydon represents the latest example of our ongoing investment in reimagining our stores. This initiative ensures both customers and co-workers continue to derive maximum value from these important retail spaces."
Mónica Cedres, London City Leader for Decathlon UK, added: "At Decathlon, our fundamental purpose centers on bringing people together through sport while making wellbeing accessible for everyone. This new home at IKEA Croydon represents a bold, innovative step forward in our mission to help more people across the UK and Ireland embrace active lifestyles."
Broader Retail Context
This partnership emerges during a period of significant expansion for IKEA in the United Kingdom. Last year alone, the furniture retailer opened seven new stores across the country, including their prominent Oxford Street location that took over the former Topshop flagship store space.
The IKEA Croydon location, which first opened in 1992, continues to evolve with changing consumer shopping patterns. This Decathlon collaboration represents one of the most substantial reconfigurations of the massive Purley Way retail destination in recent years.
