Decathlon to open new store inside Tesco at Douglas Village Shopping Centre
The new opening brings sport and everyday shopping together under one roof, making it easier than ever for Cork to keep healthy and active
Decathlon has today announced plans to open a new store inside Tesco at Douglas Village Shopping Centre in Cork, with doors set to open this summer. Marking Decathlon’s fourth store in Ireland, this opening represents an exciting partnership with Tesco, combining the expertise of two retail leaders to better serve the local community.
The new store will operate as a dedicated Decathlon space within Tesco, providing over 2,300 sqm of sales area. This creates a fresh and convenient destination where customers can pick up their weekly shop and discover everything they need to get moving. From first football boots to marathon-ready running shoes, camping gear to cycling essentials, Decathlon’s technical expertise will now be right at the heart of the local community.
The Tesco Douglas store will undergo a complete transformation before Decathlon opens in the retailer’s current first floor later in the summer. A multi-million euro investment by Tesco will bring an even better shopping experience to its customers in Cork in the coming months.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment from both Decathlon and Tesco to quality, accessibility, and value. By meeting customers where they already shop, the collaboration makes it simpler than ever for people in Cork to embrace sport and wellbeing as part of everyday life.
Driven by Customer Demand
Cork’s energy, community spirit, and love of sport make it the perfect home for the new partnership. Whether it’s coastal walks, GAA matches, cycling along the Marina, or sea swimming in nearby coves, Corkonians are uniquely passionate about staying active.
Decathlon’s arrival at Douglas Village Shopping Centre is a direct response to strong demand from local customers who have long advocated for a physical home for Decathlon in the County. The new destination will support that passion with a curated selection of thousands of products across hiking, running, fitness, swimming, cycling, and team sports, alongside specialised gear for Padel and Rugby.
Customers can also expect convenient services designed around modern lifestyles, including full Click and Collect integration - unlocking a wider online range for local pickup - and circular initiatives such as Buyback, helping to keep quality gear in play for longer.
Elena Pecos, CEO, Decathlon UK and Ireland:
“At Decathlon, our purpose is to bring people together through sport to make wellbeing accessible for all. We are thrilled to be opening at Douglas Village Shopping Centre and to be growing our presence in Ireland. Cork has such a strong sporting culture and sense of community, and this partnership with Tesco allows us to meet customers where they already shop, making sport more accessible and convenient for families across the region. Opening in Cork has been a long-standing ambition for us. It’s a city we’ve believed in for years, and one we’ve been determined to be part of. We are absolutely thrilled to finally bring Decathlon to Cork, it truly feels like a dream realised. We can’t wait to welcome Corkonians through our doors this summer.”
Paul Healy, Retail Operations Director at Tesco Ireland welcomed the exciting new partnership, commenting:
“Bringing Decathlon to Tesco Douglas is a great example of what strong partnerships can deliver for customers. By combining two trusted brands under one roof, customers will be able to avail of the best of Tesco’s food, home and clothing offering along with Decathlon’s superb product range. It’s an exciting time for Cork shoppers.”
Simon Cooper, Head of Property at Douglas Village Shopping Centre said:
“Douglas Village Shopping Centre has always been focused on creating a vibrant, relevant destination for the local community, and this partnership between Decathlon and Tesco is a perfect reflection of that vision. Welcoming a globally recognised brand like Decathlon strengthens our retail offering and enhances the overall experience for our visitors. We’re excited to see this new concept come to life and to provide customers with even greater choice, convenience and reasons to visit the centre.”
Continuing Decathlon’s Irish journey
Since its beginnings in Lille, France in 1976, Decathlon has grown into a global sporting brand operating in more than 70 countries. The Douglas opening marks another exciting milestone for Decathlon in Ireland as the brand looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to helping more people enjoy the benefits of sport.
World-class brands for every sport
Decathlon is home to a family of specialist in-house brands created by expert designers and engineers. Shoppers in Cork can expect to find favourites including:
● Quechua – Innovative hiking and camping gear inspired by the French Alps
● Kiprun – High-performance footwear and apparel for runners of every level
● Van Rysel – Precision-engineered road cycling equipment built for speed
● Kuikma – Specialist padel equipment for one of Europe’s fastest-growing sports
From beginners to seasoned athletes, the new Decathlon at Tesco, Douglas Village Shopping Centre will offer something for everyone, helping Cork stay active, outdoors and ready for whatever adventure comes next.
Plans for the store's grand opening will be revealed soon, featuring a series of launch activities and exclusive offers delivered by a local team of passionate sports experts.