SWITZERLAND. Decathlon Switzerland has launched its first European airport-proximity store at Geneva Airport.
The 150sq m outlet, which opened on 1 July, offers both departing and arriving passengers a curated range of sports apparel, equipment, travel accessories and seasonal essentials in a compact retail format. The store departs from the format of Decathlon’s large peripheral shops and drives its smaller ‘city’ format, which focuses on proximity to key travel hubs.
The product assortment meets last-minute travel requirements and includes lightweight technical clothing, sunglasses, sun protection products, reusable water bottles, compact sports luggage and hiking electronics.
In addition, the store features a 24/7 Click & Collect service using connected lockers. Customers can order from Decathlon Switzerland’s full online catalogue of almost 90,000 products via the company’s website or mobile app and collect purchases at Geneva Airport at any time, regardless of store opening hours.
The service accommodates varying flight schedules, enabling travellers and employees working within the airport precinct to retrieve orders independently, including during overnight hours.
The partnership combines Decathlon’s national logistics network with Geneva Airport’s diverse passenger traffic. Switzerland’s second-largest airport was chosen because of its role as an international gateway serving a diverse customer base, Decathlon said.
Decathlon Switzerland Marketing & Communication Director Thomas Dezillie commented: “The opening of this store at Geneva Airport is an immense pride and is at the heart of our proximity strategy pursued in recent years. This is the first time in Europe that a Decathlon is establishing itself in an airport.
“The Geneva teams designed this 150sq m format to be as close as possible to the needs of the Swiss population and travellers: from smart convenience purchases to order withdrawal at any hour of the night thanks to our 24/7 lockers. We are bringing sport closer to everyone’s daily life, even while traveling.”
Geneva Airport Commercial and Development Director Kristina Mees added, “With the arrival of Decathlon, Geneva Airport reinforces the diversity and quality of its commercial offering for the benefit of passengers, visitors and employees of the platform.
“This unprecedented concept in Europe illustrates our desire to develop useful, accessible services adapted to new uses, while consolidating the airport’s commercial appeal.” ✈
