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Oxylane and its subsidiaries – including the Decathlon sports chain – saw turnover and sales increase in 2011.
Turnover reached €6.5 billion (exc VAT) – an increase of 8.8 per cent. Turnover increased 9.9 per cent in 2010. Like-for-like sales increased 1.1 per cent (1.8 per cent in 2009).
Internationally Oxylane saw 68 stores open across 16 countries, 62 of which under the Decathlon brand.
In the UK, that translated to three new Decathlon stores in 2011, bringing the total up to 12 (as of the December 31st 2011). The UK has the 11th highest number of Decathlon stores internationally, behind home territory France (with a whopping 249 stores), Spain (92), Italy (77), China (39), Poland (25), Portugal (22), Belgium (14), Germany (14) and Hungary (13).
The year also saw the €17.5 million Oxylane Village open in Lesquin, near Lille, including a 3,200 m2 Decathlon store and new HQ for Decathlon France.
Oxylane also scored a coup when its cycle brand b’Twin won a tender to team up with public transport firm Kelois to supply Lille Metropole with ‘free access’ bikes.
Last year reports were made detailing significant expansion plans for the retailer.
