Decathlon vs New Balance

Home Workout Creates New Sales Potential for Sports Retailers and Apps

A YouGov study reveals that home workouts have become a significant part of the German fitness market, with 19% of consumers training independently versus 22% at gyms. This trend is especially strong among high-income households, where 23% train on their own. The majority (74%) of self-trainers use equipment, and 27% use fitness apps, presenting new physical and digital sales opportunities. Retailers like Decathlon are well-positioned, with 30% of self-trainers considering them for their next purchase. The study highlights the growing importance of combining physical products with digital services to cater to this segment.

• 19% of German consumers train independently, compared to 22% who are gym members.
• 23% of consumers with incomes over 200% of the median train on their own, versus 18% with lower incomes.
• 74% of self-trainers use equipment or typical sports gear; 27% use fitness apps.

Decathlon Subsidiary Bergfreunde Automates Customer Service

Bergfreunde, a Decathlon subsidiary and pure-play online retailer, is implementing cautious automation in its customer service while retaining personal advice. The article notes Bergfreunde operates as a specialist online shop, reporting an annual turnover of about €370 million and shipping roughly 10,000–15,000 packages per day. Christian Nkulikiyinka is identified as Head of Customer Service at Bergfreunde. The story frames the company’s approach as a measured automation of support processes rather than full replacement of human advisers.

• Bergfreunde is described as a Decathlon subsidiary.
• Bergfreunde applies cautious/gradual automation in its customer service.
• Bergfreunde reports an annual revenue of around €370 million.

New Balance Awarded Contract to Provide the U.S. Military with American-Made Athletic Footwear

New Balance has been awarded a contract to provide the U.S. military with American-made athletic footwear, announced on 18 Sep 2026.

New Balance sues Decathlon over Kiprun logo

New Balance has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Decathlon in the United States, alleging that the logo on the Kiprun running shoes too closely resembles its distinctive 'N' emblem. The case, filed in Massachusetts federal court, targets Decathlon America and argues that consumers may confuse the Kiprun symbol with the New Balance brand. New Balance claims the 'N' has been used since the 1970s and is seeking an injunction against the use of the disputed logo as well as financial damages. The amount of damages has not been specified. The lawsuit, case number 1:26-cv-14235, follows previous trademark disputes involving New Balance's 'N' logo, including cases against Michael Kors and Nautica, and a 2017 ruling in China awarding $1.5 million.

• New Balance filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Decathlon in the U.S. over the Kiprun shoe logo.
• The lawsuit is filed at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under case number 1:26-cv-14235.
• New Balance alleges the Kiprun logo, a mirrored 'K', is too similar to its 'N' symbol used since the 1970s.

New Balance Welcomes Ayo Edebiri to its Family of Ambassadors

New Balance announced that Ayo Edebiri has joined its family of ambassadors. The announcement was made on September 9, 2026.