Sportbranche: Intersport macht Tempo bei neuen Geschäften

Sportfachhändlergruppe Intersport is accelerating its expansion plans by opening new stores ahead of schedule, according to Alexander von Preen, the group's chief executive. Preen told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the company aims to have 100 new locations by 2030, rather than the initially planned year of 2023. He sees potential for even more new stores, citing numerous "white spots" still on the German map.

With 13 new Intersport stores opening this year, the group's goal is becoming a clear reality. Preen expects additional sites to follow in the coming weeks. Originally, nine new openings were planned for the ongoing year, but the company intends to surpass this number. Since the launch of the expansion target in 2023, Intersport has grown in value to approximately six billion euros, with the group aiming to increase its market share to around 30 percent.

New concepts, such as larger "Superstores" targeting price-sensitive families and customers, are part of the strategy to compete with French rival Decathlon. Recent high demand for sports gear, including over 600,000 trikots sold during the recent World Cup, has contributed to this growth. Despite Germany's relatively early exit from the tournament, consumer sentiment remains positive, driving sales.

However, Preen acknowledges that external factors, such as German consumers' cautious spending due to economic uncertainty, could impact the company's growth. Intersport's annual fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th.