Decathlon has opened a new flagship store in Liverpool as the sports specialist ramps up its high street store network.

Decathlon’s latest UK store is located on Church Street in Liverpool city centre and spans 27,000 sq ft.

The sports equipment specialist’s new branch will offer a range of equipment catering to the outdoor activities that are easily accessible from the city, including paddleboarding and water sports as well as walking and golf.  

The shop also includes a Second Life collection, which is the group’s new resale initiative to extend the life of pre-used sports equipment. 

Decathlon will sell repaired sports equipment that has been returned to the store, which will then be resold to shoppers at a discounted price. 

Decathlon retail leader in the North Ross Farrington said: “We’re delighted to be opening a brand new flagship store in the vibrant and sport-loving city of Liverpool. With the mountains of North Wales and amazing beaches right on the doorstep, customers can leave Decathlon with everything they need to make the most of the Great British Summer. 

“Our mission is to help make sport more accessible; from kayaking to football, we have innovative products expertly designed in-house at Decathlon, with prices that will appeal to everyone. We’ve recruited a local team of sports experts to advise and assist customers on their journey both in terms of finding the perfect sporting solution and also where best to practise that sport in and around Liverpool.”

Store manager Lewis Albutt added that the store “brings something totally unique to the high street”.

Decathlon’s latest opening follows the appointment of Ikea’s chief digital officer Barbara Martin Coppola as its chief executive in January.