GoSport et Courir

GoSport and Courir are French retail chains that operate under separate brand names but are often mentioned together in industry reporting. GoSport primarily sells sporting goods, including equipment, apparel, and accessories for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Courir concentrates on athletic footwear, offering a broad selection of sneakers and related performance shoes for men, women, and children. Together, the two chains cater to consumers looking for sports‑related products, from gear for team sports to casual training shoes. Their core business is conducted through physical storefronts located throughout France.

The combined footprint of GoSport and Courir comprises eighty‑four stores across the French territory, as indicated by the scope of the ransomware incident that affected two of those locations. In December 2019, a ransomware attack struck the chains, leading to the precautionary closure of the two stores that were testing new point‑of‑sale software at the time. This incident reveals that the companies were actively piloting updated retail technology in select outlets to improve transaction processing and store operations. Although the attack disrupted systems temporarily, the broader network of eighty‑two unaffected stores continued to operate. The event positioned GoSport and Courir within a wider trend of cyber‑threats targeting retail enterprises globally.

A distinguishing attribute of GoSport and Courir is their specialized focus on the sports and leisure market, which sets them apart from general merchandise retailers. GoSport’s emphasis on equipment and apparel complements Courir’s concentration on footwear, allowing the pair to cover complementary product categories for athletes and casual users. The decision to test new point‑of‑sale software demonstrates a commitment to modernizing the checkout experience and improving operational efficiency. Being caught in a ransomware campaign underscores the importance of cybersecurity readiness for retailers that handle significant volumes of customer and transaction data. The chains maintain a clear market niche as dedicated sports retailers while continuously exploring technological upgrades to serve their customer base.