This opening follows the company’s recent arrival in Osorno and its upcoming arrival in Temuco, as part of a growth plan focused on southern Chile.
Decathlon continues its regional rollout. As part of the sports equipment retailer’s plan to expand into southern Chile, the brand opened its 17th store at Mall Paseo Valdivia—its first location in the city.
Decathlon recently opened a store in Osorno and plans to open another in Temuco. Previously, the company’s CEO in Chile, Jon Hernáez, told The Clinic, “Southern Chile offers very attractive features for a company like Decathlon. The region has a vibrant sports and outdoor culture, fueled by its diverse landscapes and natural conditions that support activities like hiking, running, cycling and winter sports.”
The new store in Valdivia features more than 850 square meters of retail space, a product lineup spanning more than 65 sports disciplines and a team of 30 employees. In this context, Decathlon plans to increase its workforce in the country by 10% this year.
Jorge González, Decathlon Chile’s Head of Expansion and Development, said: “Our entry into Valdivia will serve a community that actively engages in sports year-round, both in urban areas and in natural settings. The city boasts a rich sporting tradition, especially in basketball and rowing, with growing participation in outdoor and water sports. Therefore, we designed an offering aligned with this local sports culture, featuring more than 65 sports and options suitable for people of all experience levels.”
Valdivia’s Mayor Carla Amtmann noted, “We are a regional capital in a region facing economic challenges. Therefore, my priority as mayor—in collaboration with other institutions—is to help create favorable conditions for investment and job creation. Decathlon has hired 30 Valdivia residents, which makes us very happy. We are certain that the challenge they are undertaking will also contribute to their personal development.”
Fuente: The Clinic.