INTERSPORT France opens new distribution center with TGW automation

INTERSPORT France has launched a highly automated fulfillment center in Saint-Vulbas, east of Lyon, to speed shop replenishment, handle seasonal peaks and improve worker ergonomics. The TGW Logistics project went live on schedule and is already boosting order-processing productivity and palletizing output.

Why it matters: - The new center gives INTERSPORT France more capacity and flexibility as the sporting goods retailer grows and adapts to changing omnichannel demand. - Faster shop replenishment and a higher service level can help INTERSPORT keep shelves stocked across its 980 French stores. - The automation setup is designed to improve ergonomics for employees while reducing manual handling in the warehouse.

What happened: - TGW Logistics implemented a highly automated FlashPick goods-to-person system for INTERSPORT France at the fulfillment center in Saint-Vulbas, about 25 miles east of Lyon. - The site recently went live on schedule and met the agreed performance parameters, according to the companies. - The project extends a prior collaboration between INTERSPORT and TGW Logistics in Austria.

The details: - INTERSPORT France uses the system to support growth, manage seasonal peaks and improve the speed and reliability of deliveries to stores. - The core of the site is a ten-aisle shuttle system with more than 80,000 storage locations. - The warehouse includes 18 PickCenter workstations for ergonomic order processing. - In the dispatch area, a three-aisle shuttle system consolidates orders before three AutoStax robots build pallets. - The dispatch system can process up to 1,500 cartons per hour. - The design factored in potential expansion so the site can adapt to changes in consumer behavior and the company’s omnichannel strategy. - Robots automatically compile pallets for storage in the goods-receiving area. - INTERSPORT Group operates 980 shops in France, employs more than 19,000 people and generated 3.91 billion euros in revenue in 2025. - INTERSPORT is organized as a cooperative and is headquartered in Longjumeau. - INTERSPORT operates three logistics hubs totaling 1.7 million square feet in Saint-Vulbas, Autrèche and Machecoul. - INTERSPORT also owns the Blackstore lifestyle brand and Manufacture Française du Cycle, described as the first bicycle manufacturer in France. - Gérard Leclerc is managing director for France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Between the lines: - TGW is positioning FlashPick as a future-proof platform for retailers that need speed now and room to scale later. - Frédéric Grassart, logistics operations director at INTERSPORT France, said the company chose TGW in part because of its commitment to agreed performance before official go-live and its support during live operation. - Grassart said that after 20 weeks, order-processing productivity had increased eightfold and palletizing productivity had quadrupled. - Patrick Teissier, director of sales at TGW France, said INTERSPORT was persuaded by TGW’s experience with large projects and references in fashion and sporting goods.

What's next: - INTERSPORT France will use the Saint-Vulbas site to support ongoing store replenishment and its broader growth strategy. - The site’s expansion-ready design suggests further scaling is possible if demand or the company’s channel mix changes.

The bottom line: - INTERSPORT France is betting on automation to move faster, scale more easily and keep store supply flowing as demand shifts.