top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

French sports brand Decathlon to close its shops in Russia

The company cited issues with its supply chain as the reason behind the decision

Decathlon has suspended its Russian operations due to supply issues Pic: Marlon Trottmann / Shutterstock

French sportswear brand Decathlon has announced that it is suspending its Russian operations because of supply issues caused by international sanctions. 

This comes after the firm was widely criticised for keeping its shops open despite the country’s invasion of Ukraine. 

“With scrupulous respect for the international sanctions [imposed on Russia], Decathlon has decided that the supply conditions are not conducive to the continuation of its activities in Russia,” the company said in a statement today (March 29).

“This has brought Decathlon to suspend its shop operations,” in the country, it added. 

“We will continue to support our 2,500 Russian team members,” Decathlon said. Staff were told of the suspension by email this morning.

Decathlon is one of three brands owned by the Association Familiale Mulliez which have been criticised for keeping their Russian shops open despite the war in Ukraine. Supermarket chain Auchan and homeware / DIY retailer Leroy Merlin are still operating in the country.

Read more: French group Auchan defends decision to stay in Russia as ‘human’

Read more: French brand Leroy Merlin accused of profiting from Ukraine war 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for “Renault, Auchan, Leroy Merlin and others” to “stop being sponsors of Russia’s war machine,” before the French Parliament on March 24. 

Read more: French companies in Russia 'sponsoring war machine' says Zelensky

Decathlon first launched its Russian operation in 2006, with 60 shops in 25 towns. Some 22 of its stores are situated around Moscow. 

The brand also has four stores in Ukraine, but suspended its activities there at the end of February “so as to not expose” its 125 employees “to a situation which did not totally guarantee their safety.” 

Decathlon also stated that it has donated €2.6million to charities operating in and around Ukraine, and has also established a “solidarity fund” worth €1million in order to “support the populations affected” by the war.

Related articles 

Pressure mounts on French brands to close stores in Russia

Ukraine war: How French companies with Russian links may be affected

Yachts, ski chalets, villas: France freezes €850m in Russian assets

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France