Core Insights - Decathlon, known for its affordability, has significantly increased prices since 2022, with an average sales price on Douyin rising from 128.81 yuan to 196.32 yuan, a 52% increase [1][2] - The company has launched four high-end sub-brands in March 2024, aiming to enhance its premium image, but this strategy has not resonated well with consumers [1][2] - Financial reports indicate a slowdown in sales growth and a negative net profit growth of -15.48% in 2024, raising concerns about the effectiveness of its pricing strategy [2][5] Pricing Strategy - Decathlon's price hikes have led to a perception of losing its value proposition, with basic items now priced over 100 yuan, making it less appealing to budget-conscious consumers [2][3] - The company faces stiff competition from domestic brands like Camel and KAILAS, which offer a wider variety of styles and faster product updates at competitive prices [2][6] Market Positioning - Despite the price increases, Decathlon's customer base remains primarily middle-class, who appreciate the brand for its reliability and affordability, especially for entry-level sports equipment [7][8] - The brand's attempt to penetrate the high-end market is challenged by established competitors like Lululemon and Arc'teryx, which have successfully positioned themselves as premium brands [6][8] Operational Challenges - Decathlon's net profit margin is around 6%, significantly lower than competitors like Nike and Adidas, making it more vulnerable to rising costs [5][6] - The company operates a heavy asset model, controlling design, production, and logistics, which has helped maintain lower prices but is now strained by increasing raw material and labor costs [5][6] Consumer Experience - Recent changes in store layout and branding have not significantly improved customer experience, leading to confusion about the brand's positioning between low-cost and high-end products [8][10] - While Decathlon's physical stores continue to attract foot traffic, the conversion rate for high-end products remains low, indicating a struggle to shift consumer perception [8][10] Digital Presence - Decathlon's online sales account for a relatively low percentage compared to competitors, highlighting the need for improvement in its digital strategy [8][10] - The brand has a substantial following on social media, but its sales performance on platforms like Douyin lags significantly behind that of competitors like Lululemon [9][10]