In 2016, Decathlon invested over EUR 7 million in a new distribution center in Willebroek, Flanders. In addition, the French sports retail chain – which opened its first store in Flanders in 1997 – will open 15 more outlets and has plans to organize its Belgian and Dutch e-commerce activities in Willebroek.

These bold ambitions earned Decathlon a nomination for Foreign Investment of the Year at the Foreign Investment Trophy 2017 – hosted by Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) on Feb. 21. To comment on the nomination, Koen Tengrootenhuysen, Director Real Estate at Decathlon Belgium, invited FIT for both a bike and company tour in Willebroek.