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Decathlon review: Privacy issues in decathlon india, require mobile number to make sale 12

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Author of the review
4:22 am EDT
Review updated:
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Background
As someone who has frequently purchased items from Decathlon stores in Europe I was disappointed with the service at the Gurgaon store. More than disappointed I am concerned about the privacy implications of the policies, or possible interpretation of these policies by Decathlon employees. I'm hoping that you address this seemingly minor complaint keeping in mind the broader implications of this incident.

Incident:
I was refused service because I did not want to provide a mobile number or an email address. I was told by the employees that Decathlon policy requires either a Cell phone number or an email ID before they can make a sale. I refused to provide either and spoke to the employees manager - who informed me of the same. I was told I can leave the store if I want but they would not sell me the requested items unless I provided an email address or phone number. The behaviour of the employee in question and his manager was curt and impolite, but that's besides the point.

Follow up
Decathlon Legal counsel has confirmed that as per Decathlon policy in India it is MANDATORY for any customer to provide their cell phone number / email address if they would like to make a purchase. Without this information the store will refuse to make a sale to the customer.

Store Location:
Omaxe Celebration mall
Subhash Chowk
Sohna Road, Sector 48
Gurgaon 122001

Date of Incident
18th June, 2016
Approx. 3PM

Resolution Desired
Decathlon should relook at their policy making it mandatory for customers to provide their cell phone / email address
1. It is discriminatory towards individuals who may not have access to a cell phone / email address
2. It violates privacy rights for individuals who have a cell phone but may not be willing to provide a number due to PII concerns. This is a valid concern and should not be the basis for preventing a customer from purchasing items at Decathlon

Thank you

12 comments
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Elvinrobert
ernakulam, IN
Nov 13, 2023 10:31 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Bike cycle bought and its pedal was not fixed properly and my son got into accident while in road and later after several calls made had to change the bike but with a poor follow up and replacement later though some goodies came along but it was not to compensate the incendent

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Preetika
♀️ Woman, IN
Nov 20, 2022 12:26 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I purchase Rs. 1500/- Jacket & Sweater but I am not satisfied with packing.

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Razia786
, IN
Oct 15, 2019 8:48 pm EDT

I ordered cycle 2days ago .they told they will deliver at home within24hours..but after two days also they haven't delivered.on tracking also it shows order not confirmed...im upset of decathlon service..bad experience...hope u do the needful...

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Razia786
, IN
Oct 10, 2019 3:02 am EDT

I ordered cycle 2days ago .they told they will deliver at home within24hours..but after two days also they haven't delivered.on tracking also it shows order not confirmed...im upset of decathlon service..bad experience...hope u do the needful...

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Rajesh syal
, US
Sep 07, 2019 6:13 am EDT

Hole in the shoes...

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danielle cave
, US
Sep 03, 2019 11:36 am EDT

I went to purchase a new tire with my son last night and the manager put hes hand on my son and told him to leave the shop and he was so rude to it was so embarrassing I have bowel anxiety as it is and this causes me to not go out much. Now this has put me back daniellecave09@hotmail.com pls email me. Hea name is Henry I want something done pl8

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Ranjeet94
, IN
Apr 07, 2019 6:23 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Soal of both shoes are craked after using only one month it is not a tracking shoes u fooling us i used this shoes only in plane area poor quality of soal i am very disappointed from decathlon

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hollappa
, US
Aug 05, 2018 12:56 pm EDT

I had the same experience. I had to give a fake number to buy. Not before fighting it out with them. They are most probably violating stops and establishments act of India.

https://youtu.be/VRFEfePv95Y

https://youtu.be/9jBTtZ_K98o

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ManmeetKaur
, IN
Apr 04, 2018 5:39 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have had this same experience twice now with decathalon in Ansal Plaza, New Delhi and Zirakpur. I do not understand how they can insist on my phone number for buying a plastic water bottle!

It is certainly a breach of my privacy. I have written to them as well on this and have just received sub-standard responses such as this is our company’s policy for concern of your safety!

In Zirakpur the manager asked me to leave without my purchase if I did not disclose my phone number. How is this even legal?

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Paul Gibbs
, US
Oct 26, 2017 1:43 am EDT

So today at Thailand Decathlon Rama 4 store I was told it was mandatory to give telephone number or email otherwise I could NOT make a purchase.
This was backed up by 2 French managers who were called to assist the Thai staff after my refusal to give my telephone number or email.
I have made dozens of purchases at the store before without having to give my private info and was allowed to make purchases.
The French managers told me that this shouldn't have happened.
They assured me this was necessary for my safety and to be able to contact me in case of product recall!
I was buying a pair of trainers, not a car !
So every time you buy at Decathlon, you MUST give telephone number or email otherwise you CANNOT make a purchase. Is this even legal?

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Nigel Lilburn
, US
Nov 15, 2018 11:52 pm EST
Replying to comment of Paul Gibbs

Same happened to me today at the same store in Bangkok. This is an outrageous invasion of privacy which has no basis in Thai law. The "duty manager, " a Ms Apisara Bantattiang (cell No [protected]), who gave me the obey-or-goodbye ultimatum was abrasive and overly officious in reciting what she called "company policy." All policy needs to be within the law. I left the store without buying a swimming costume priced Bt 120.
Is it really that important for Decathlon to be so objectionable to its customers.
Not only am I looking for an apology from Decathlon management, I'm also looking for them to cease the ridiculous imposition forthwith and, as a foreign company, I suggest that the relevant Thai department has a word with them.

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Bhaskar05
, IN
Aug 17, 2017 7:55 am EDT

I agree with your understanding of the matter. today I also had a similar experience where i refused to give my personal details to make a retail purchase. I asked them that do they have any rule from govt of India which enables them to make me divulge my personal details or stop me from purchase if I dont do so, they refused for that but stated that its there internal policy. I spoke to the there customer care centre and they also gave the same reply. As I see this matter in principle they are wrong. There customer care even said that I can provide I fictitious number and name, to which I said that I dont want to wrong in principle... This is forceful breach of privacy and discriminatory towards individuals who do not have mobile numbers or mail IDs...