The growth of the French outdoor market slowed down last year, judging from a survey of 15 specialty outdoor retailers conducted by sport-guide.com, unless generalist sports retailers like Decathlon gained market share. The 0.34 percent sales increase calculated by the French news service was the lowest in four year. Only 40 percent of the retailers recorded some growth, including Ekosport and Snowleader. The profitability of the sector deteriorated, but the market leader, Au Vieux Campeur, improved its margins while consolidating its turnover.