Trendwatching: Decathlon offers free sports equipment.
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While spotting new trends, this initiative by Decathlon Czech Republic immediately caught your eye. In cooperation with fitness centre YourLOX, Decathlon is launching an innovative concept: digital lockers in public locations, filled with sports equipment that you can use for free for 90 minutes. Ideal for those who spontaneously feel like a game of football, badminton or table tennis.
In this article, we explain how the system works, what objectives Decathlon is pursuing and why this responds perfectly to broader social trends such as spontaneous activation, sustainability and social connection. Naturally, we also share our take on the idea.
What is the concept
Decathlon and YourLOX place smart lockers in accessible locations such as parks and sports fields. Those lockers contain sports equipment - think balls, rackets and other basics. You simply open the locker via your smartphone, use the equipment for up to 90 minutes, and then simply put it back.
The system is fully digital and designed to enable spontaneous sports moments - without the need to bring anything yourself.
The goal
Decathlon is not doing this project lightly, it aligns with three key pillars of their mission.
- Getting people moving
Whether you are hiking or having a picnic with friends, a game of football or handball is always within reach. Making exercise fun and natural - Increase accessibility
Not everyone has sports equipment or thinks about bringing it with them. With this system, sports becomes approachable and spontaneous. - Sustainable consumption
Sharing sports equipment instead of purchasing it reduces the carbon footprint. This fully reflects Decathlon's commitment to circular solutions.
Our vision
As far as we are concerned, this initiative touches a nerve. We live in a time when health, sustainability and connection are key. This project responds to that in a smart and approachable way.
It lowers the threshold to exercise, creates spontaneous encounters and activates public spaces in a positive way. We would therefore like to see this concept spread to other countries. Think of city parks in Antwerp, Amsterdam or Berlin - places where young people, families, tourists as well as sports clubs benefit from this kind of accessible facility.
In short: with this initiative, Decathlon is taking a strong step towards a more active, sustainable and connected society.
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