Quechua
Decathlon · France
Quechua is Decathlon's hiking and camping brand, created in 1997 and based in Domancy in the French Alps. It designs affordable outdoor clothing, footwear, tents and equipment, including the well known 2 Seconds pop up tent.
| Founded | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Parent | Decathlon |
| Base | Domancy, France |
| Signature product | 2 Seconds tent |
| Website | quechuabrand.com |
What is Quechua?
Quechua is the mountain and camping brand of Decathlon, the French sports retailer. It was created in 1997 by a group of nine Decathlon employees and is based in Domancy, near Sallanches, close to Mont Blanc.
Products and positioning
Quechua designs gear for hiking and camping, with a focus on making the outdoors accessible at low prices. The range includes:
- Tents, including the 2 Seconds instant tent
- Hiking clothing and jackets
- Hiking footwear
- Backpacks, sleeping bags and camping equipment
The 2 Seconds tent, which pitches itself when thrown, won an IDEA design award for innovation and became the brand's best known product. The tent was also used in 2007 media campaigns against poverty and social exclusion.
History
Quechua grew from a small team in the Alps into one of Decathlon's core in house brands. Development of a design centre at Passy began in 2011 and resumed in late 2013 after a pause.
Distribution
Quechua products are sold through Decathlon's stores and websites around the world.
Why it matters
Quechua is a leading example of a retailer owned brand that competes on design and innovation, not only price, and it has helped make camping equipment mainstream.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Quechua?
Quechua is an in house brand of the French sports retailer Decathlon.
Where is Quechua from?
Quechua was created in 1997 in Domancy, in the French Alps near Mont Blanc.