in Paris, a new brand arouses enthusiasm

See my news
Follow Paris News

Rows of pairs of skis, shelves on which climbing shoes are stored, a stack of large bags for pedaling… Paris welcomes a newcomer in the sales sectorsporting goods. Very established in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpeswhere it has its headquarters in Chambéry (Savoie) Ekosport opened its first store in the capital, in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, at the corner of Boulevard des Capucins and Rue Caumartin.

A growing market

A location far from trivial. For several years, sports brands invest the Madeleine district. Décathlon, Hoka, Salomon… A plurality of players wishing to grab shares in a thriving market. If sales fell sharply during the two confinements, the turnover of companies in the sector remains very highaccording to the index calculated by INSEE in 2024.

In this context, Ekosport took the challenge of opening a fourteenth store in Paris. “We know that Parisians love winter sports and outdoor sports, explains Clémence Ménard, marketing coordinator for the brand. The objective is to gradually anchor ourselves in the habits of sports enthusiasts who are looking for quality products.”

In this space of 1,500 meters squares divided into three levels, no product turns out to be unbranded. North Face, Columbia, Patagonia… These behemoths of ready-to-wear mountain clothing have pride of place. With quite expensive prices. For a Patagonia coat, the customer can pay 290 euros, while a jacket is likely to cost 220 €.

In the basement, the range of sports demonstrates completeness wanted by Ekosport. Several shelves are dedicated to pairs of skithe price of which rises to almost €800, accompanied by traditional shoes. For climbers, harnesses look shiny, like slippers, or even pants or t-shirts. In total, 7,000 sporting goods are offered. Something to get Gaspard, Alex and Max excited about.

“We already knew the brand. It’s a cathedral of outdoor sport,” underline the three young men aged 20. In addition to the brand’s reputation, they also point out “the need toexpand the offer “. “We looked at other stores, like Le Vieux Campeur. And e-commerce is good, but we especially like to come and test the products,” says Alex.

From beginners to experienced, the brand praises the accessibility of its products. And it doesn’t plan to stop growing. A second storewill open in early 2025, at the Le Bretagne cinema square, near Montparnasse station (15th). The cultural establishment, opened in 1961, closed its doors in 2023. The 1,000 m2, formerly occupied by projectors and rooms plunged into darkness, will become a temple of the outdoors.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.