Decathlon has announced it is permanently closing its Cheltenham store, almost five years after the international sports retailer opened its first Gloucestershire branch in Regent Arcade.
The large town centre shop will close its doors to shoppers for the final time on Saturday 29 August 2026, with customers still able to shop in store until then.
Announcing the closure, Decathlon thanked customers for being part of its local sporting community and confirmed that Click & Collect is no longer available from the Cheltenham branch, although home delivery and online shopping remain unaffected.
Occupying a substantial unit at the Regent Street end of Regent Arcade, Decathlon sells clothing and equipment spanning dozens of sports, from running, cycling and fitness to camping, football and racket sports.
The French retailer opened the 20,000 sq ft Cheltenham shop in November 2021, taking over part of the former BHS unit and marking Decathlon's first Gloucestershire store.
At the time, its arrival was a significant addition to the town's retail lineup. Cheltenham was Decathlon's first town centre store and its first branch in the south west, opening during a period of major investment which also saw JD Sports and the then Tivoli Cinema arrive at the shopping centre.
Decathlon's departure comes as further changes are underway at Regent Arcade. Work began in March 2026 to remove the longstanding bridge linking the shopping centre with the former Cavendish House building, paving the way for a major new rooftop restaurant and wider redevelopment around Regent Street.
Plans for the shopping centre also include expanding its food and drink offer, with proposals for a food hall alongside a flagship restaurant or bar overlooking Regent Street.
It has not yet been announced what will replace Decathlon in its large Regent Arcade unit.
Decathlon's Cheltenham store remains open for in-store shopping until Saturday 29 August 2026.
