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Decathlon launches buyback service in all its UK stores

Oct 31, 2023 United Kingdom

The sporting goods retailer is expanding its buyback service to all its UK stores. Customers will be given in-store credit for returning products they may have outgrown or no longer use

Initially, the buyback programme will focus on the retailer’s own-brand bicycles, but will later be extended to all product categories including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rackets, and fitness equipment. A survey commissioned by Decathlon showed that 50% of adults have unused sports equipment stored in their house, with bicycles making up 18% of the unused kit. In addition, 48% of parents admitted that their children don’t use their bikes at all or only occasionally.

The initiative follows the launch of its rental initiative earlier this year, in which customers can rent a range of sporting gear for 10 British pounds a day. Decathlon has now said that it expects its UK service to refurbish 15 000 bikes a year by 2025 and has 1 500 staff already trained to deliver circular services (rentals and buyback).

“With the cost of living still continuing to impact sport and fitness participation across the UK, at Decathlon we are determined to ensure that sport participation continues and is not affected by the rising cost of goods. BuyBack will allow customers to return their old and unwanted sporting equipment for store credit to use on refreshing their kit”, commented Chris Allen, sustainability leader at Decathlon UK.

After the launch in Europe earlier this year, 251 000 products have been bought back, resold and given a second life across the continent.

Image Credits: adsoftheworld.com

France United Kingdom Companies Retail Sportswear Sustainability