The Vans retail space includes a gallery, a skateboard store, and an event space.
California-based brand Vans has announced the opening of its first community store in Los Angeles. The retail space of approximately 100 sqm pays homage to the deep roots of skateboarding in the city. On two floors of the store, the cult brand presents collections of clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as products from local producers and a creative workshop for fans of the brand.
The concept monostore is adorned with murals by local artist and designer Jeff McFetridge, who has displayed his minimalist work on top of the store's concrete and brick walls. It also exhibits photographs taken by Los Angeles skateboarding legends and the work of local artist Julien Besser.
“The opening of our downtown Los Angeles store marks a new chapter for Vans as we continue to evolve our mission of being community and experience focused,” said Carly Gomez, vice president of marketing for Americas at Vans.
On the second floor of the store, Studio808 is located for members of the local community, who can share their creative energy through workshops, exhibitions and other themed events. Although its main goal is ultimately called the education of low-income members of the community.
As part of the launch Vans Community Store also partnered with non-profit organizations Goodwill and Chrysalis to find new talent in need of support. It will also recruit labor from groups of young people exposed to social risks.
The dedicated area of the store has a section that features Los Angeles friendly skate brands Alva, Baker, Girl and WKND, as well as a full collection of Vans Pro Skate shoes and apparel. A new look at the skateboarding culture in the city continues with a selection of publications from the DTLA gallery and These Days store.
The store is already accepting the first visitors, and the program to launch master classes, seminars, lectures and art exhibitions will be launched from March 2020.
