Looking for affordable sporting goods? Decathlon Cebu has got you covered.
Getting into sports can be expensive. If you want to meet your fitness goals, you likely have to invest in good equipment.
This has unfortunately made it rather inaccessible for the majority of Cebuanos.
To alleviate this, global sporting goods brand Decathlon opened at SM City Cebu and Ayala Central Bloc in 2024 to offer affordable but reliable sporting goods to Cebuanos.
Decathlon Cebu and Decathlon IT Park Connect are the 10th and 14th Decathlon branches in the Philippines, respectively, the former being the first in the Visayas-Mindanao region.
Cebu is one of their main targets because of its blend of urban recreational areas like its courts and rinks, as well as natural destinations like mountains and beaches.
They also aim to unlock a love for sport, especially with many getting started on their fitness journeys.
WHY DECATHLON CAME TO CEBU
According to a press release from Sunstar Cebu, Decathlon looked for “where the sports lovers are.” Hans Iff, the president of Decathlon Philippines, called the island the “perfect starting line.” (2024)
Hathaipat “Spray” Theintangpiriya, the Decathlon Cebu store leader, explained that Cebu offers several sporting activities on land and at sea, while Hans lauded its “active and dynamic” residents.
Cebu is famous for hosting dozens of sports-related events from fun runs to multi-sport marathons. It is even considered the unofficial “running capital of the Philippines.”
Additionally, it’s home to some of the best diving spots in the world, a huge basketball community, and locations that highlight lesser known sports and activities. This includes outdoor adventure spots like Kawasan Falls for canyoneering, beaches in Moalboal for freediving, and various mountain terrains and waterfalls for hiking or trekking.
Unfortunately, equipment costs have made sports and recreational endeavors rather inaccessible to the majority. Lawyer and sports advocate Migs Nograles mentioned that sporting goods are pricier because of high importation costs. (2023)
Decathlon aims to resolve this through their reputable, low-priced goods.
Their products are cheaper than popular sportswear brands, with many costing less than Php 1,000. This lets them cater to cheaper price brackets, becoming more accessible to the public.
But why is Decathlon so affordable? Khoo Bee Khim from CNA Lifestyle explained that their products are mostly in-house, cutting out importers that may inflate prices. (2024)
Decathlon has in-house brands and partnerships that keep prices consistent. They also have lower marketing costs and remove packaging to lower the prices even more.
Sportswear for men and women are also available at Decathlon, which is a great starting point if you’re interested in a particular sport or recreational activity.
WHAT SPORTS ARE FEATURED AT DECATHLON CEBU?
Decathlon has several in-house sportswear brands that allow them to keep their prices low.
For this list, we will narrow it down to the most popular outdoor activities in Cebu. Some have been popular for years, while others have only been recognized as of late.
You can get a preview of each equipment available on the official Decathlon Philippines website, where they also detail different features and dimensions.
- Basketball
The Philippines’ most beloved sport, it is heavily featured with dozens of basketballs, jerseys, and even hoops.
Their in-house brand Tarmak partnered with the NBA for shirts, backpacks, and sneakers inspired by different teams. Their basketballs are also approved by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
- Racket Sports
Cebuanos have also started playing tennis, badminton, and pickleball recreationally because of their accessibility for any age. As more courts open around the city, products from Decathlon can help you join in on the fun.
Artengo and Perfly have budget-friendly shoes and rackets, but if you want some more reliability, Decathlon has also partnered with known brands like Asics and Yonex.
- Running
The built-in technology in running shoes is what makes them quite expensive. Decathlon has several cheap ones from Kalenji, but they are better as daily trainers than race-day shoes.
Decathlon also has free foot analysis with their gait scanner. Using a 3D foot scan, it can determine foot shape to recommend shoes for better comfort and stability.
- Diving and Other Water Sports
It’s no surprise that swimwear is also available at Decathlon Cebu. They have dozens of wet suits, rash guards, diving masks, and goggles from Nabaiji and Subea that you can use at some of the island’s best diving spots.
Decathlon highlights surface-level watersports as well, like surfing and paddleboarding. Their in-house foam boards from Olaian are great for beginners because of their weight and manageable structure.
- Outdoor Sports
As soon as you enter Decathlon, you will be met with a section dedicated to outdoor excursions such as hiking, trekking, and camping.
They have an extensive array of backpacks, nightlights, toiletry bags, trekking hats, water bottles, and hiking poles to choose from. Quechua is one of their in-house brands, offering items at less than Php 1,000.
DECATHLON BRANCHES IN CEBU
- Decathlon Cebu City
Upper Ground Level, SM City Cebu
Juan Luna Avenue Extension, North Reclamation Area
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Decathlon IT Park Connect
L2, Ayala Central Bloc
Ines Villa Street, Cebu City
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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While getting into sports can be a challenging pursuit due to pricing, Decathlon Cebu makes it easier for us to purchase various sporting goods as a starting point. Their budget-friendly items have definitely helped many individuals get into sports.
Regardless of whether you’re at a beginner level or a seasoned trainer, you don’t need expensive gear to be successful in your fitness journey. A quick walk along the aisles of Decathlon may be the first step towards achieving your goals.
REFERENCES
Press Release. 2024. “Global Sports Brand Decathlon opens new store in Cebu City.” SunStar.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/feature/global-sports-brand-decathlon-opens-new-store-in-cebu-city.
Quismoro, Ellson. 2023. “Pro-sports solon wants to make imported sporting goods cheaper.” Manila Bulletin.
https://mb.com.ph/2023/1/13/pro-sports-solon-wants-to-make-imported-sporting-goods-cheaper.
Khim, Khoo Bee. 2024. “How does Decathlon keep prices low? Who designs their products? Can they fix my bicycle?” CNA Lifestyle.
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/living/decathlon-singapore-sports-equipment-apparel-386411.
