French sporting goods giant Decathlon is selling apparel in Russia despite a promise not to do so, an analysis by research firm Disclose shows. This news comes after Decathlon announced in an official statement on March 29, 2022 that it would no longer ship to Russia “in solidarity with colleagues” in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Decathlon also said in the statement that it would stop operating its stores.
Few of the promises made at the time have been kept. Internal documents and witness statements that the research company Disclose was allowed to view show that Decathlon supplied Russia via a detour.
Decathlon delivered sportswear such as ski jackets, pants and shoes to Russia. These were flown in November 2023 from Bangladesh, where they were produced, and then sold to Russia through a “sham company” in Dubai. Decathlon sold fashion worth a total of 12 million US dollars (10.7 million euros) to the company Desport, which has a total of 60 points of sale in Russia.
Decathlon has yet to comment on Disclose’s investigation. However, they let the investigative agency know that they will do everything to prevent the products from being resold in or to Russia.
This translated article previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl