Outdoor Gear Retailer Decathlon Accused of Ties to Forced Labor in China

If you’ve ever wandered onto the Decathlon website looking for a budget-friendly puffy or a last-minute replacement for a broken trekking pole, you’re not alone. The global sports retailer has built its reputation on affordable gear that gets the job done. But now, Decathlon finds itself at the center of a growing scandal, with allegations that some of its products may be linked to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region.

The Allegations

The controversy started when the French investigative television program Cash Investigation aired a report on February 6, 2024, revealing potential ties between Decathlon and forced labor. Working alongside the media outlet Disclose, journalists uncovered evidence suggesting that Qingdao Jifa Group — a textile manufacturer supplying Decathlon — may have sourced cotton from Xinjiang. The region has long been associated with human rights abuses, particularly against the Uyghur Muslim population, who have been subjected to mass surveillance, detention, and forced labor.

The red dots represent suspected reeducation camps, detention centers, and prisons as of September 2020 based on satellite imagery, media reports, government documents, and other sources. The shaded region of China shows the Xinjiang region. Graphic: Council on Foreign Affairs

A manager at one of Jifa’s facilities reportedly admitted that “it can come from Xinjiang” when asked about the origins of their cotton. Given that 90% of China’s cotton comes from this region, according to researcher Adrian Zenz, the implications are serious.

Why It Matters

For many outdoor enthusiasts, ethical sourcing is a big deal. Gear choices often reflect personal values — sustainability, fair labor practices, and reducing environmental impact. Brands like Patagonia have built their reputations on these principles, while others, like Decathlon, have marketed themselves as affordable alternatives.

But affordability comes with responsibility. The outdoor community has seen similar issues before, like when major brands were forced to cut ties with down suppliers over concerns about live-plucked geese. The situation with Decathlon raises the question: Can budget-friendly gear truly be ethical if its supply chain isn’t fully transparent?

Decathlon’s Response

Decathlon has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “We condemn outright any form of forced labor” and insisting that its supply chain is fully traceable. The company claims it adheres to strict ethical sourcing guidelines and has no direct involvement with forced labor practices.

Decathlon has some 1,700 stores in 70 countries. While the retailer has no brick-and-mortar locations in the US, US customers can still shop the brand’s products online. Decathlon told French news agency AFP that it did not sell any products made in China in the United States.

On their website, Decathlon explains how their prices are able to stay so low, saying “Our integrated business model means low margins. We don’t have non-integrated importers, and we rely on exclusive partners, so there’s no accumulation of margins that falls on you.”

However, the investigation has sparked global concern, especially given recent trade laws targeting Xinjiang cotton. The United States, for example, has enacted bans on cotton imports from the region unless companies can prove no forced labor was involved. Other brands, including H&M and Adidas, have faced similar scrutiny and had to make major changes to their sourcing strategies.

Consumer Backlash & What’s Next

A Decathlon store in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Maksym Kozlenko.

For many hikers and backpackers, the news is a wake-up call. Decathlon has long been a go-to option for those looking to stretch their gear budget, but this controversy could change how some view the brand. The company now faces mounting pressure to provide clear evidence that its supply chain is free from forced labor.

In a world where more outdoor brands are leaning into ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency, Decathlon has a decision to make. If it wants to keep the trust of its customers—many of whom care deeply about the ethical implications of the products they buy — it will need to do more than deny the allegations. Clear proof of fair labor practices, third-party audits, and a commitment to moving away from questionable suppliers could help rebuild consumer confidence.

For now, the situation is still unfolding. For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is another reminder that where our gear comes from matters just as much as where we take it.

Featured image: Maksym Kozlenko.