Decathlon India, a leading multi-specialist sports retailer, has joined forces with the quick-commerce platform Zepto to enhance the speed and accessibility of sports and fitness products for customers across India. The partnership, announced on Friday, marks a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for active lifestyles by providing rapid delivery of sporting goods.


In Which Cities Will Zepto-Decathlon Deliveries Be Available?


Starting in September, customers in 16 major cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Hyderabad, can access a wide range of products spanning fitness, outdoor, water sports, team sports, and more via Zepto's platform.


ALSO READ: Lack Of Mid-Order Support, Verification Issues, More: Hydredabad Man Joins Zepto As Part-Time Delivery Partner, Shares Harrowing Experience


Decathlon's Expansion Plans


This partnership comes as Decathlon gears up for a major expansion in India, with plans to invest Rs 933 crore over the next five years. The retailer aims to increase its store count from 127 to 190, enhance digital engagement, and bolster its make-in-India strategy. Currently, 68 per cent of Decathlon’s products sold in India are manufactured locally, with a target to raise this figure to 85 per cent by 2026.


Meanwhile, Zepto, which recently raised close to $1 billion from private investors, is reportedly exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO). The Mumbai-based firm is in discussions with prominent Wall Street banks like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, as well as domestic investment banks, with plans to list its shares by August next year, according to sources cited by The Economic Times.


The timing of the IPO will depend on Zepto’s ongoing efforts to relocate its domicile from Singapore back to India, following a trend seen among several Indian startups. 


Zepto's potential IPO comes amid increasing competition in the quick-commerce sector, with rivals like Swiggy preparing for a $1.25 billion IPO and Blinkit, owned by publicly traded Zomato, expanding its market presence. Zepto plans to raise approximately $450 million through the issuance of new shares and an offer for sale by existing investors as part of its listing strategy.