Vans, the original action sports brand and advocate for creative expression, is thrilled to announce the opening of its fifth concept store on Auckland’s iconic Queen Street.
Located in the heart of Queen Street, the store is a reflection of the brands’ 55 years of encouraging creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture. The store will offer a full range of Vans footwear, apparel and accessories across Men’s, Women’s and Youth, in addition to exclusive products that will only be available at Vans retail and online.
Ben Hapgood, Accent Group general manager, New Zealand & Accent Wholesale says “Vans has been fundamental in building youth culture by encouraging people to express themselves. Vans has had incredible support in New Zealand over the years and we’re stoked to open the country’s fifth Vans store. The store will include Australasia’s first Custom Lab which gives people the opportunity to come in and express themselves creatively through the customisation of their Vans”.
Customisation has always been an important element in the Californian brand’s world, which since the opening of its first store back in 1966 has made personalisation one of its core defining elements. More than just a DIY workstation, there will be regular programming spanning creative workshops, forums, product talks, and community happenings.
Any customer can bring in old Vans or purchase a new pair in store and enjoy the Custom Lab. Customers can customise their Vans sneakers through drawing, patches, embroidery and stencil stickers. The Vans Custom Lab provides the perfect opportunity for customers to unleash their creativity.
To commemorate the opening, Vans has teamed up with local artist Chris Hutchinson aka ‘Chippy Draws’ to help bring the store to life, with a local flair. Artist Chippy has created a custom art piece to be installed at the Queen Street store.
