Written By: Gouri Ghosh

India's passion for fitness is not like a New Year's promise; it's become a lifestyle. From park jogs in the morning to gym workouts at weekends and Zumba sessions in the evenings, citizens all over India are more active than ever before. And  Indian sports retail franchises are right in the middle of it. If you're in search of a good business prospect in 2025, purchasing a sports shop retail franchise in India might be your golden move. Why? Because we're not merely selling dumbbells and shoes anymore—we're a part of a burgeoning fitness ecosystem that combines fashion, tech, health, and lifestyle.

Let's discuss how this surging industry is taking shape and how you can benefit from it.

How is the Athleisure and Fitness Accessories industry growing in India

Fitness in India today doesn't just stop at the gym—it's becoming a lifestyle choice that shows up in the way people dress, shop, and live their lives. 

More individuals are opting for gear that's practical for workouts but fashion-forward enough for everyday life. It might be gym leggings to brunch or performance tees with casual jeans, activewear is turning into everyday attire.

As a franchisee, you're not just selling to individuals who frequent the gym—you're also catering to students, professionals, and even housewives who need to look and feel fit.

Here's why this trend is significant for franchise investors:

• It promotes repeat buying since individuals wear this apparel beyond workouts.
• It enables you to tap both the fitness and fashion markets.

The market for fitness-oriented apparel and accessories is expanding rapidly, and with India's increasing health consciousness, this trend keeps gaining momentum. For any investor planning to invest in a sports retail franchise in India, athleisure provides a stable and burgeoning market with robust potential in urban and smaller cities.

How Sports Retail Is Driving Gym and Fitness Footfall

Modern sports retail stores are not only selling merchandise—they're assisting individuals in starting their fitness journey. By designing active, interactive spaces, these stores are promoting interest in health and fitness, leading to an increased number of people visiting gyms, taking workout classes, and living healthier lifestyles.

This is how this change is effective:

In-store events

Numerous sports retailers now have live events such as fitness workshops, running clubs, and equipment demonstrations. These events make the store a destination for individuals with an interest in fitness.

Franchise business owners see events as driving organic traffic and capturing potential repeat business. They allow your store to become a part of the local community and build a loyal, active base of customers.

Individuals become more attached to the brand when they engage, rather than simply shop.

Interactive store designs

Contemporary store designs enable people to experience products prior to purchase. Whether weights are being lifted, shoes tried on, or grip on yoga mats tested, individuals have a hands-on experience.

It makes the store inviting even for newbies who may feel intimidated by gyms or are not sure of what to purchase.

The store is transformed into an environment where one can learn about fitness for newcomers.

Partnerships with trainers or gyms

Retailers of sports frequently partner with gym owners or local fitness professionals in order to create combined events or joint promotions.

These partnerships provide exposure for both the gym and the store, which leads to mutual expansion.

Added value is received by customers, including bundling or discounting of services.

It creates a network of support that works in your favor and provides credibility.

Motivational environment

All from store environments to music to employee training is meant to energize and encourage shoppers.

It creates a healthy setting that promotes fitness behavior and long-term lifestyle modification.

Shoppers are more likely to sign up for a workout routine or gym membership after spending time in an environment that inspires them.

The emotional store visit becomes part of their own personal fitness experience.

 Multi-Channel Revenue: Apparel, Equipment & Subscriptions

If you start a sports retail franchise in India in 2025, it means you will get different sources of income. You’re not just selling sports garments and gym equipment—you’re part of a full-service fitness lifestyle.

Here’s where your revenue comes from:

• Apparel: Activewear, athleisure, and performance shoes
• Subscriptions: Fitness apps, membership perks, loyalty programs

With online buying increasing rapidly, having both a brick-and-mortar location and an online channel means you're never missing out on where your customers are. You have many brands that back you up with pre-built e-commerce solutions so you don't have to be a technology guru to thrive.

Best Franchise Brands in Sports Retail

If you're considering an investment in a sports retail franchise business in India, understanding which brands dominate the market will assist you in making an informed decision. Some of the best ones to consider for 2025 are:

Decathlon

This is known to sell value-for-money products with a variety of in-house brands. Also, Decathlon stores are big, and customers get an experience-like store where they can test numerous products before purchase. This is how Decathlon becomes a respected and favored brand name in cities.

Puma

Puma is a fashionable and high-end brand. It has strong appeal among young customers who desire fresh, fashionable sportswear and shoes. If you desire a brand that has high youth appeal, you should choose Puma.

Skechers

Skechers enjoys fame for blending comfort with sport. Their footwear is ideal for everyday wear and walking, and it is most popular among those customers who desire a functional but fashionable choice for daily fitness.

SS (Sanspareils Greenlands)

Sanspareils Greenlands is a well-known sports equipment brand. If you are interested in concentrating on a niche, reliable sports segment, SS provides a robust franchise opportunity.

What about the cost of investment?

When planning to invest in a sports retail franchise in India by 2025, here's an approximate idea:

Small format stores (smaller stores, less area):

• Investment usually comes between ₹10 lakhs and ₹20 lakhs.
• These are best if you prefer to begin small or target niche areas.

Large format stores such as Decathlon (large stores with an extensive product range):

• These have a higher capital requirement but come with larger earning possibilities.
• Super Sports Franchise has a greatly variable cost depending on inventory size, setup of the store, and certain brand requirements.

Sports Retail Investment Franchises in India's Tier two and Tier-3 Cities through 2025

If you’re thinking about starting a sports retail franchise, here’s a key insight: Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are quickly becoming the new hotspots for fitness and sports retail growth in India.

The demand for sportswear, gym accessories, and home workout gear is rising fast outside of the big metros.

Why are these cities an excellent opportunity?

Lower rental and installation expenses

In contrast to large metropolitan areas such as Mumbai or Delhi, renting store space and installing your business is significantly more cost-effective in smaller cities. 

Increasing middle-class income

More individuals in these cities are receiving higher incomes and are spending more on health and fitness. This expanding middle class is ready to spend money on good-quality sportswear and accessories.

Younger, health-conscious population

The youth are actively looking for fitness solutions, developing a consistent customer base for your franchise.

Creating a multi-ecosystem: Fitness, FoodTech & Sports Retail

This is the big picture: sports retail isn't an independent business—it's part of a complete fitness ecosystem.

Here's how it works:

• Your store collaborates with a local gym.
• You cross-promote with a nutrition brand or foodtech startup like HealthifyMe or Zomato Fit.
• The customer who purchases a yoga mat receives a meal plan or app subscription.

That's the future and brands are already heading in this direction. As a franchisee, being a part of this ecosystem raises your visibility and makes your store a lifestyle destination.

Conclusion

The Indian fitness revolution has arrived, and it's here to stay. With increasing numbers of people opting for wellness over laziness, now is the ideal time to discover sports shop franchise opportunities in India 2025.

Whether sports wear, accessories, or equipment, demand is high and increasing. With major brands behind it, a robust business model, and increasing health awareness, an investment in a sports shop franchise offers you front-row seats to India's future fitness revolution.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.