Tréndico Group Marks 20 Years in 2024

Tréndico Group celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, marking two decades of progress that have solidified its position as a prominent retail project in the sports sector. Over the years, nearly 250 retailers have joined the group, collectively operating more than 400 points of sale. At the winter purchasing sessions held in late January at the Zentral Ave Hotel in Zaragoza, Carlos Tejero, president of the group, expressed his satisfaction with the group's evolution: “It’s a remarkable achievement. It’s not easy to sustain growth over 20 years, but except for the pandemic period, we’ve consistently increased our membership, store count, and revenue.”

What was the growth trajectory last year?

While final figures are still pending, we can confirm a growth of around 10%, reaching over €60.5 million compared to €56 million in 2022.

Diverse Business Segments

Tréndico Group encompasses various business formats, including approximately 225 stores operating under the Atleet brand, 80 under Foot on Mars, around 20 under Sötkatt, and others as part of Tréndico, specializing in different disciplines. Some of these are poised to adopt the Atleet identity.

“The Vertical Model Brings Benefits but Also Challenges”

When asked if Tréndico is the most flexible purchasing group model, Tejero said:
"I wouldn’t claim that. We recognize that not everyone can adopt the vertical model we propose. While it offers significant advantages, it also demands a lot. There’s an opportunity cost, and businesses must choose options that fit their specific needs. However, to improve operational conditions, integrating into vertical formats is essential."

Reflecting on Two Decades of Transformation

Looking back over 20 years, Tejero observed, “It feels like centuries have passed, considering the profound changes we’ve witnessed. Today’s leading operators didn’t exist back then, while some major players from that era have disappeared. This demonstrates that sports retail mirrors other sectors, like supermarkets—Mercadona wasn’t the leader in 2004 either. These changes push us to stay alert and adapt constantly.”

“The Consumer Has Transformed Everything”

Tejero highlighted the key driver of this transformation: “The consumer. They are now more empowered, have greater access to information through new technologies, and demand more to meet their needs.”

Proud Achievements Over 20 Years

Tejero feels proud of two main achievements:

1. “We’ve become a valuable tool for our members, enabling their businesses to be competitive, sustainable, and professional. We’ve helped them analyze data, optimize management, and embrace digitalization.”
2. “Our response during the pandemic. On the day lockdowns were announced, we reassured our members by suspending fees so they could focus solely on their families and well-being. While it was risky for the central office, it was the right thing to do. That decision, driven by humanity, cemented our commitment to our members.”

Current Industry Outlook and Future Vision

Tejero views the future with optimism: “The sector continues to grow, and the data is encouraging. It’s a privileged sector, but we must adapt to constant changes.”

For 2024, Tréndico Group aims to:

• Implement RFID in its logistics systems.
• Strengthen its online business.
• Expand its chains while rationalizing its presence in key markets.

“Our goal remains ensuring stores thrive. Without them, the central office has no purpose. While we attract many retailers, we won’t compromise on sustainability or quality criteria.”

Tréndico in 20 Years

Tejero envisions Tréndico as the leading operator in the sports sector: “If we started from zero and reached this point in 20 years, with the tools and experience we now have, we should aim to consolidate all independent retailers. Our ambition knows no bounds.”