Decathlon, the world’s largest sports retailer, is launching a BuyBack service across its 50 stores nationwide which will allow customers to return products that they may have outgrown or no longer use, in return for store credit. The first leg of the initiative will focus on bicycles, with the service later expanding to all product categories including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rackets and fitness equipment.
Decathlon’s BuyBack mission has been launched by seven-time Olympic Champion, holder of the most cycling titles for a British athlete and three-time World Champion, Jason Kenny; and five-time Olympic Champion Laura Kenny. The initiative will be rolled out nationwide, allowing customers to return their old and unused Decathlon own-brand cycles to redeem in-store credit.
New research commissioned by the sports retailer has revealed that over 50% of adults have unused sports equipment stored in their house, with bicycles making up 18% of the unused kit. A quarter of those people also admit to never wanting to resell old sporting gear and rather opt to store kit in their basement or garage.
Additional research found that 48% of parents admitted to their child barely using or only occasionally using their bike, if they owned one. If their child’s bike was used regularly, parents look to upgrade this every two years, and in the midst of the cost of living crisis would not look to spend anymore than £300 on an upgrade.
The initiative is the latest development within their growing circular offering. Following the launch of the retailer’s Rentals initiative earlier this year, which allowed customers to rent a range of sporting gear for as little as £10 a day.
To help customers easily swap their old cycling gear out for new, the return process has been made simple, with customers asked to register their return online, immediately provided with a quote, and able to book in a slot to drop their cycle off at their nearest Decathlon store. Vouchers provided for up to 45% of the valued item can be redeemed by customers, which can be used to purchase a newer set of wheels, whilst the old item will be refurbished and resold for its second life.
Decathlon’s BuyBack service will help sports-lovers to get their gear in a more sustainable way. Following the launch of the initiative in Europe earlier this year, 251,000 products have been bought-back, resold and given a second life across the continent. The BuyBack of Decathlon’s cycles have been particularly successful in Belgium stores, making up over 40% of sales, with the roll out of the initiative in the UK expected to exceed this proportion.
Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK, comments: “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.”
Jason Kenny and Dame Laura Kenny, Olympic Champion cyclists, said: “Decathlon’s BuyBack service is an absolute game-changer for a cycling-loving family like ours! Kids, as we all know, have a knack for outgrowing their bikes faster than we can blink. This new initiative from Decathlon not only keeps the whole family active but also works wonders for your wallet and our planet, what’s not to love? So if you’ve got an old bike hiding in your shed, wheel it over to your nearest Decathlon store now to get one you can actually ride!”
To find out more about Decathlon’s BuyBack service visit https://www.decathlon.co.uk/Buy-Back_lp-NUWRH4
