Decathlon Singapore Guide: Best Stores, Deals & What to Buy

Decathlon is the go-to store in Singapore if you suddenly decide you’re an athlete—or at least want to look like one.

Founded in France in 1976, Decathlon (not Decathalon although who cares about spelling) made its way to Singapore in 2016 and has since expanded faster than your list of abandoned fitness goals. With multiple locations across the island, from sprawling warehouses to compact urban stores, it’s almost too easy to convince yourself you need another pair of running shoes. The brand is famous for its shockingly low prices, making you wonder if they’ve cracked some secret formula for cheap sports gear (spoiler: they have). But is their quality good enough to survive your ambitious workout plans, and what are the best things to buy? Let’s find out.

What is Decathlon?

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer founded in 1976 in Lille with a simple mission—making sports accessible to everyone, whether you’re a hardcore athlete or just buying yoga pants for lounging. The brand quickly expanded across Europe and beyond, thanks to its unbeatable combination of affordability and in-house product innovation. It eventually landed in Singapore in 2016, opening its first megastore in Bedok, and has since spread across the island with both massive experience stores and compact city outlets. Known for its in-house labels like Quechua (outdoor gear) and Kalenji (running shoes), Decathlon offers decent quality without the premium price tag, making it a go-to for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts. Today, it’s practically a household name in Singapore, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like you exercise regularly.

Where are Decathlon stores in Singapore?

Decathlon has made sure you’re never too far from affordable sports gear by planting stores all over Singapore’s malls. Their megastores—like the ones in Kallang and Bedok—are massive playgrounds where you can test everything from bicycles to trampolines before buying. For those who prefer convenience over adventure, Decathlon also has smaller city outlets in malls like Orchard, City Square, and Northshore Plaza. They’ve even gone futuristic with self-service stores like Decathlon Click & Collect, where you can pick up your online orders without dealing with human interaction (perfect for introverts). Whether you want the full Decathlon experience or just a quick grab-and-go, there’s likely a store near you.

Why buy from Decathlon?

• Affordable prices – Decathlon is the perfect place to grab high-quality sports gear without draining your wallet. Their budget-friendly pricing ensures you get more for your money, whether you’re looking for a new pair of shoes or outdoor equipment.
• Wide range of products – From running shoes to camping gear, Decathlon offers a huge selection of items for practically every sport and outdoor activity. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you need, no matter your sport of choice.
• In-house brands with quality assurance – Decathlon’s in-house labels, like Quechua for outdoor gear and Kalenji for running, offer great quality without the premium price tag. These brands are designed to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced athletes.
• Convenient shopping experience – With multiple stores across Singapore and an easy-to-navigate online shop, shopping at Decathlon is a breeze. They also offer Click & Collect, allowing you to pick up your online orders from your nearest store, making it easy to get what you need on the go.
• Easy returns and customer service – Don’t love what you bought? No problem. Decathlon has a straightforward return policy, making it simple to exchange or return items. Plus, their customer service is helpful and friendly, so you never have to stress.
• Variety for all skill levels – Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or just looking to start a new hobby, Decathlon provides a range of products suited for all skill levels, ensuring you find the right fit for your needs.
• Durability and innovation – Decathlon’s products are known for being durable and innovative, so you’re not just getting affordable gear; you’re getting items that last and enhance your performance.
• Eco-friendly options – They’re making strides in sustainability, offering eco-friendly products that don’t just benefit you but the planet too, because you can feel good about your purchase knowing it’s better for the environment.

How does Decathlon keep their prices so low?

Decathlon manages to keep its prices low through a combination of smart business strategies and cost-effective practices:

• In-house brands – Instead of relying on pricey third-party brands, Decathlon produces its own labels like Quechua and Kalenji, cutting out the middleman and the associated markup. This lets them pass on the savings directly to you.
• Direct-to-consumer model – By selling directly to customers through their stores and website, Decathlon eliminates the need for wholesalers or retailers, which helps keep costs down and prices competitive.
• Mass production and economies of scale – Decathlon’s massive global reach means they can produce products in large quantities, lowering production costs and making it more affordable to sell at a lower price.
• Efficient supply chain – Their streamlined logistics and centralized warehouses allow Decathlon to keep inventory costs low, ensuring that products move quickly and efficiently, reducing overhead.
• No-frills stores – Their simple, no-frills store designs and layouts (and absence of flashy marketing) keep their operating costs down, which helps them keep their prices lower compared to traditional retailers.
• Focus on volume over margin – Decathlon is all about selling large volumes of products rather than focusing on higher margins. By attracting more customers with their low prices, they make up for it in volume.
• Minimalist packaging – They use cost-effective, minimalist packaging that helps reduce costs, meaning more savings for you while still maintaining product quality.

These strategies all contribute to making Decathlon the go-to destination for affordable yet reliable sports and outdoor gear.

Can you trust Decathlon’s quality?

Decathlon’s quality is generally trustworthy, despite their low prices. Here’s why:

• In-house testing – Decathlon runs over 20,000 product tests each year across various categories, ensuring that their products meet the necessary standards for performance, safety, and durability. They even have 700 engineers dedicated to developing and testing products, giving you confidence in what you’re buying.
• Expert-designed products – Decathlon employs over 5,000 sports experts to help design, test, and refine their products. These professionals ensure that their gear is not just affordable but effective for real-world use, tailored to the needs of athletes at various levels.
• Customer feedback – Decathlon has over 100 million customers worldwide, and they actively listen to product feedback. Many products undergo improvements based on customer reviews, and this process has helped refine the overall quality of their range.
• Affordable but durable – Despite being more affordable than many competitors, Decathlon’s products are built to last. For example, their Quechua tents are known for their durability, with the Quechua 2-second tent being able to withstand wind speeds of up to 50 km/h.
• Value for money – While they aren’t luxury brands, Decathlon’s products offer solid performance for the price. Research suggests that Decathlon’s products are 20-30% cheaper than many comparable brands in the market, yet they still provide good value and long-lasting quality.

So, while Decathlon may not be at the top of the luxury spectrum, their approach to product testing, customer feedback, and expert design ensures that their gear is solid and reliable for everyday use, all while maintaining excellent value for money.

Top 10 things to buy from Decathlon Singapore

1. Kalenji Running Shoes – Known for comfort and durability, Kalenji shoes provide great value at just $19.90 to $49.90 depending on the model, perfect for runners on a budget.

2. Domyos Yoga Mat – Offering comfort, grip, and durability, this yoga mat is priced at only $9.90, making it one of the best budget-friendly options for yoga enthusiasts.

3. B’Twin Road Bike – A solid option for casual cyclists, the B’Twin road bikes range from $179 for entry-level models to $399 for more advanced versions, delivering great performance for the price.

4. Artengo Tennis Racket – Affordable and lightweight, Artengo tennis rackets are priced around $24.90 to $69.90, making them perfect for casual players looking for quality on a budget.

5. Forclaz Trekking Backpack – Perfect for both day trips and longer treks, the Forclaz backpacks start from $39.90 for basic models, up to $169.90 for more advanced, feature-packed backpacks.

6. Geonaute Fitness Tracker – Packed with features like step counting and heart rate monitoring, this fitness tracker is available for just $29.90, making it a great alternative to more expensive trackers.

7. Quechua Hiking Shoes – Offering great grip and comfort, Quechua hiking shoes are priced at $29.90 to $99.90, perfect for your next outdoor adventure without breaking the bank.

8. Trekking Poles – Lightweight and adjustable, Decathlon’s trekking poles are available from $12.90, offering excellent support and reducing strain on your knees during hikes.

9. Massage Ball – Ideal for post-workout recovery, Decathlon’s massage balls are priced at $4.90 to $9.90, perfect for targeting muscle knots and relieving tension after your workout.

10. Foam Roller – A great addition to your fitness routine, Decathlon’s foam rollers range from $9.90 to $29.90, helping improve flexibility and speed up recovery.

My favourite are the latter two. Let me know what your favourites are