Heavily impacted by the unabated rise of Quechua, Décathlon’s private label for outdoor products, the French outdoor market requires fresh impetus. The in-depth research report on the French sports market compiled by EDM Publications, which is the publisher of this newsletter as well as Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe, contains a particularly meaty chapter on the dynamics and prospects of the country’s very specific outdoor business. It provides insights into the strategies, market positions and business practices of the leading outdoor brands in this tight business, from French heavyweights such as Quechua, Lafuma, Salomon and Petzl, to large international brands and smaller specialists. Furthermore, the report analyzes the structure of French outdoor retailing, with a few specialists such as Espace Montagne hurrying to reinforce their position before Décathlon has entirely cornered the market with its specialist Chullanka stores. The report points to opportunities for growth in the French outdoor market in categories such as trail running to climbing equipment (more at www.sgieurope.com).