MULTI-SPORTS retailer Decathlon has revealed a fresh new look for its UK flagship store in Surrey Quays.
Hundreds of local customers queued outside the store on opening day on Wednesday this week to get a first glimpse of the new facilities.
Spanning 10,000 sqm, the store is now home to a full-size multi-sport playing field on the rooftop and interactive sports testing zones to give customers the chance to try before they buy.
Local groups Jam Total Sport and employment charity Street League helped to get the party started with street dance and fitness routines, while the Decathlon team were on hand to guide customers through the new testing zones, including the kids bike testing area, mini aquarium, golf simulator, climbing wall, mini badminton court and table tennis stations.
Mayor of Southwark, councillor Catherine Rose, also joined in the fun, greeting customers entering the store alongside representatives from Millwall Community Trust, including their mascot Zampa the Lion.
To celebrate the opening, the store is also inviting local residents to join a range of free sports activities suitable for all abilities from Friday June 29 – Sunday July 1, including a fitness marathon and kayaking which can be booked ahead online here: https://events.decathlon.co.uk/events
Marc Cuckson, store manager at Decathlon Surrey Quays, said: “This was a landmark event for us. The store has doubled in size and really makes a statement about our commitment to helping more people find a sport they love, whatever their ability, experience or budget. The testing zones across the store are a place for our customers to really put our products through their paces and to help them find the right kit to suit their needs.
“Local sports teams, clubs and groups of friends are all welcome to use our multi-sport playing field on the roof when it opens soon. They can book ahead on our website and use the field completely free of charge. Being on the roof, the space has some pretty amazing views of the city, too.”
The store has undergone a major £13.7m transformation to offer an even wider range of sports clothing and equipment, including exclusive brands such as B’Twin cycling, Quechua camping, and Kalenji running, which are designed in Decathlon’s own scientific laboratories in France.