INTERSPORT focuses on sustainable shopfitting

by Jennifer Meyer

In times of growing ecological responsibility and rising energy prices, sustainability is becoming an essential competitive factor in the retail sector. INTERSPORT Germany shows that the path to more sustainable shopfitting is not only good for the environment, but also a smart economic move. With its ‘BEST IN SPORTS: UP FOR FUTURE’ strategy, the group is focussing on resource-saving concepts that improve the CO₂ balance and increase cost efficiency at the same time.

The new INTERSPORT Finke shop in Bielefeld is a particularly impressive example of sustainable shopfitting. After extensive modernisation work, the family-run company opened its new store in September 2024. With around 2,000 square metres of sales space, the store combines a contemporary shopping experience with forward-looking, sustainable construction and energy concepts.

“Even when we were planning our new sports shop, it was clear to us that sustainability had to be a priority in all areas of shop fitting,” explains owner Markus Finke. “As a family business, we operate in the region and are aware of our corporate responsibility for the environment and society.”

Finke is delighted with the results: “It's amazing what is possible today. We have been able to achieve savings in so many areas: On the one hand, the reduction of negative influences on the environment, but also a significant reduction in costs thanks to modern technologies or the recycling and reuse of existing items [...]. In co-operation with regional companies and the shopfitting team of our INTERSPORT network, we have created something special for our customers: A state-of-the-art store with an optimised eco-balance.”

The INTERSPORT Finke store in Bielefeld demonstrates how sustainability can be put into practice in various areas of shopfitting:

• Healthy indoor climate thanks to certified floor coverings: Sustainability starts with the floor. In the store, floor coverings with environmentally friendly certificates, such as the Blauer Engel (Blue Angel, a German ecolabel), improve the indoor air quality. Particularly in the changing rooms, where carpets are laid, a healthy indoor climate is emphasised.

• Climate-friendly air conditioning technology: Another lever for improving the environmental balance is the air conditioning technology used. Modern VRF systems (Variable Refrigerant Flow) enable efficient control of heating, cooling and ventilation. This significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and optimises energy consumption at the same time.

• Resource-saving shopfitting through reuse: The reuse of existing shopfitting elements not only saves resources, but also significantly improves the CO₂ By using chipboard with a high share of recycled material, around 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents were saved in the INTERSPORT Finke store in Bielefeld.
• Digital elements under the banner of Green IT: In times of digitalisation, the energy consumption of digital technologies also plays a central role. INTERSPORT relies on monitors and other digital devices that follow the principles of Green IT. They are characterised by particularly low power consumption and intelligent energy management systems.

The sustainable measures in the INTERSPORT Finke store show that investing in sustainable shopfitting pays off on several levels. By using durable materials and energy-efficient technologies, it has been possible to reduce both operating costs and the store's ecological footprint. ‘For us, sustainability clearly means future viability,’ emphasises Dr Alexander v. Preen, CEO of INTERSPORT Germany. ‘The millions invested by our retailers – in their locations, in digitalisation and in sustainability – represent their entrepreneurial courage and their will to shape the future. Together with our retailers, we want to show that investing in sustainable solutions pays off in the long term – ecologically, socially and economically.’

Sources: Press release INTERSPORT 2024/09/05, Press release INTERSPORT 2024/09/19