Core Viewpoint - Decathlon, once thriving in the Chinese market, has opted for price increases over discounts, with product prices rising from 128 to 196 yuan, a 52% increase from 2022 to 2024, which contradicts its original value-driven positioning [4][16]. Group 1: Pricing Strategy - Decathlon's price increase is a strategic decision, reflecting a shift from a low-cost model to a higher-end positioning, which is unusual for a brand built on affordability [4][17]. - The company has introduced a high-end road bike priced at 69,999 yuan, indicating a significant departure from its traditional pricing strategy [4][16]. - The average price of Decathlon's products in China has increased significantly, with some items seeing price hikes of up to 100% [4][16]. Group 2: Brand Positioning - Decathlon's initial success was based on its role as a pure sports goods retailer, leveraging large-scale procurement and high turnover to keep prices low [8][10]. - The company has transitioned from being a distributor of third-party brands to focusing on its own private labels, which now account for over 90% of its sales [11][13]. - The brand's strategy includes a significant reduction in the number of private labels and a focus on nine major sports categories, aiming to enhance brand recognition and consumer experience [18][20]. Group 3: Market Challenges - Decathlon faces increasing competition from cheaper alternatives and niche brands that have successfully captured specific market segments [23][24]. - The brand's broad product range has become a liability, as it struggles to compete with specialized brands that cater to specific consumer needs [24][25]. - The company's revenue growth has stagnated since 2021, indicating a disconnect between its brand perception and actual sales performance [21][23]. Group 4: Strategic Transformation - The "North Star" strategy aims to reposition Decathlon from a mass-market retailer to a recognized sports brand, emphasizing a shift towards higher-end products [17][20]. - The company is investing in enhancing customer experience and marketing, including hiring experienced personnel from successful high-end brands [18][20]. - Despite these efforts, the transition from a generalist to a specialized brand poses significant challenges, as historical precedents for such transformations in the sports apparel market are scarce [26][31].