TORONTO — French sporting goods retailer Decathlon has announced the closure of its five stores in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this summer. The affected locations include stores in Brampton, Burlington, Markham, Scarborough, and Vaughan.

As part of the closure announcement, Decathlon did not provide specific reasons for the decision, nor did it disclose how many employees would be affected by the shutdowns. The stores are set to close on a date that has yet to be announced.

In light of these impending closures, Decathlon is exploring alternatives to its large-scale retail presence in the GTA. The company has indicated it may consider opening smaller store formats or pivoting to a wholesale distribution model to maintain its engagement with consumers in the region.

The closure of these five stores will significantly reduce Decathlon's footprint in Ontario, leaving only one operational location in Ottawa. Currently, the company maintains 14 other outlets across Canada, including provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.

Decathlon first entered the Canadian market in 2018 with the opening of a store in Brossard, Quebec. Since then, the company has gradually expanded its presence, competing directly with established Canadian sporting goods retailers like Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. and its Sport Chek brand.

The decision to close its GTA stores reflects a strategic shift for Decathlon as it aims to adapt in a competitive retail landscape. The potential move towards smaller store formats and wholesale distribution may indicate a broader trend in retail where companies seek to optimize their operations in response to market demands.

This announcement marks a significant change for Decathlon in Canada, where the company has built a reputation for offering a wide range of sporting goods at affordable prices. The impact of these closures on the company's overall strategy in Canada and its customer base remains to be seen as Decathlon navigates this transitional phase.