The world’s largest sporting retail store plans to shut five of its Greater Toronto Area locations, leaving many residents upset by the upcoming closures.
French retailer Decathlon confirmed the upcoming closure in a news release on their website on Wednesday, just days after speculation began circulating online.
Decathlon opened its first Ontario location in 2019, and quickly began to expand with stores popping up across the GTA.
The retail giant says it’s “evolving,” and as a result it’s reimagining its retail operation in the GTA.
“The retail landscape is changing with consumers valuing variety across online and in-store formats. We are adapting our approach in key markets to deliver great value, quality gear and inspire more Canadians to enjoy the wonders of sport,” the online statement said.
The release went on to say that this includes shutting down five locations across the GTA in Brampton, Burlington, Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham, and Brampton.
Decathlon says affected stores will be closing this summer, however a closing date has yet to be announced.
The news has left many GTA residents disappointed and shocked online, with many people saying the news has left them feeling devastated.
“They are like the IKEA of sporting goods,” a Reddit user said.
“This is really sad news, they were very affordable and of decent quality,” another user said.
“This absolutely sucks, they were such a good store for decent sports stuff,” another user said.
The retail giant operated a total of seven retail locations in Ontario, most of which were in the GTA, and one in Ottawa. Decathlon recently closed a location in Toronto’s busy transit hub Union Station.
Despite the closures, the retailer says its attention has not fully shifted away from the GTA.
“We are also considering a return to brick-and-mortar stores with a smaller footprint in the GTA,” the release said.
Decathlon says it’s continuing to serve customers online and in 15 retail locations in Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia.
The news comes as Canadians have dealt with a wave of big box stores closing, including Canada’s longest retail giant Hudson Bay, which officially shut its doors in the spring.
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Decathlon says it will be supporting all employees affected by the closure, and will even consider employees who want to apply for positions in other markets.
