Vans have opened a new Auckland store and a custom lab workshop. Image supplied.
Vans have opened a fifth concept store in Aotearoa New Zealand, this time on Auckland’s iconic Queen Street. The store is designed as a reflection of the brands’ 55 years of encouraging creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture. It offers a full range of Vans footwear, apparel and accessories across Men’s, Women’s and Youth, in addition to exclusive product that will only be available at Vans retail and online.
“Vans has been fundamental in building youth culture by encouraging people to express themselves,” says Ben Hapgood, Accent Group General Manager, New Zealand & Accent Wholesale. “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”.
Since first launching in 1966, customisation has been an important element in the Californian brand’s world, making personalisation one of its core defining elements. Vans are excited to have their first custom lab in Australasia as part of the new store. More than just a DIY workstation, there will be regular programming spanning creative workshops, forums, product talks, and community happenings going on at Vans Queen Street.
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 new store opening, Vans 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. Vans can be found at 200 Queen Street in Auckland’s CBD.
Images supplied.