Bargain sports chain closes 20,000 sq ft flagship store in ‘dramatic loss’ to UK town centre

SHOPPERS have been left “gutted” after losing a massive flagship sports store from their town centre. The 20,000 sq ft store only opened five years ago and was the company’s first location in the South West of England. The Decathlon store’s final day of business was August 29 Credit: google Decathlon has now officially closed its megastore in the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham, as the final day of business was August 29. The French retailer originally replaced a former BHS store in 2021 and quickly became a popular outlet for locals wanting sporting equipment. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Following its closure, customers will now have to travel to Birmingham, Cardiff or Oxford if they wish to browse in-store. Reflecting on the news, one disappointed fan took to Reddit to say: “I was really pleased when they opened up in Cheltenham. “It’s a real shame they are closing.” Another added: “It’s a shame, it always seemed busy when I went in and some of the clothes are really good value.” A third wrote: “One of the few shops I actually go to. Gutted.” Prior to closing, in an online statement, Decathlon confirmed that Click & Collect would no longer be available from the Cheltenham branch; however, home delivery would remain unaffected. Most read in Money The chief executive of Cheltenham Business Improvement District, Francesca Inman, claimed that the loss of Decathalon was “dramatic”. She added it had become a “really distinctive part of the town centre” since it opened. She continued: “We’ve got a change in consumer habits and an increasingly competitive retail environment.” Comment now