In a move that has shocked shoppers in Telford, Decathlon, the popular French sporting goods retailer, has announced the closure of its store at the Forge Retail Park. The branch, which opened in 2018, will close its doors for the final time on November 3rd.
The news of the closure has sparked disappointment among local residents, who have praised the store for its wide selection of sports equipment and apparel. Many have taken to social media to express their sadness, with some speculating that the closure may be due to rising rental costs.
While Decathlon has attributed the closure to a “brand refresh” and a “broader review” of its store network, the decision comes amidst a wave of retail closures across the UK. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including the rise of online shopping and ongoing economic pressures.
The Telford store’s closure is a significant loss for shoppers in the area, as the Forge Retail Park is a major out-of-town shopping destination, located just west of Telford town centre. Shoppers will now have to travel 24 miles to the nearest Decathlon store in Wednesbury, a journey that can take over an hour during peak traffic. While Decathlon offers online shopping and free click-and-collect on some orders, it’s unlikely to fully compensate for the loss of the physical store.
This closure further highlights the challenges facing the UK retail sector. In the first half of 2024, stores closed across the country at a rate of 38 per day, according to PwC. Major retailers like Marks and Spencer, Boots, Tesco, Game, and Trespass have all closed shops in recent months.
Decathlon’s closure is a reminder of the changing landscape of retail, where online shopping is becoming increasingly dominant. As consumers continue to shift their purchasing habits, businesses must adapt to survive. It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of these closures will be on the UK economy and the future of the high street.