Converse SoHo Specialty Store Opening

Converse announces the opening of its first specialty retail store in Manhattan, opening just weeks after the company’s launch of their first-ever specialty retail store in the Newbury Street neighborhood of Boston, Mass. The heart of Manhattan’s vibrant SoHo shopping district provides an ideal backdrop to showcase Converse’s independent spirit and diverse product offering. The SoHo store will offer the largest offering of Converse footwear in the world, showcasing the breadth of the brand’s collections including Chuck Taylor All Star, Jack Purcell, Star Chevron, One Star and Converse by John Varvatos, as well as other premium footwear collaborations.

The store’s design features speak directly to Converse’s distinct sport and rock ‘n roll heritage. Converse worked with New York based architecture firm Jennifer Carpenter Architect to preserve as much of the original details of the 110 year old building as possible. The single floor retail space is approximately 7,000 square feet using several reclaimed and natural elements to create a vintage inspired feel. From old gymnasium bleachers and recycled wood flooring to re-used Brooklyn factory parts and iconic New York City imagery, all in-store elements blend to create authentic design details.

Taking center stage of the space and the first of its kind is a 40-foot wall featuring an expansive Chuck Taylor All Star footwear collection. White tiled walls throughout the space pay homage to the New York City subway, creating a unique backdrop for the new denim collection, which features 24 styles for women and men.

Another key feature of the New York City store experience will be Converse’s unique customization capabilities for both apparel and footwear available in-store. Converse customization will allow customers to select exclusive product including shoes, t-shirts and bags, along with graphics and colors, to create their very own masterpiece of personal expression. Customization Maestros will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance with two state-of-the-art printers that will offer over 200 graphic options that will be updated monthly, with plans of inclusion of limited edition selections from collaborations with well-known artists. Customers will be able to create and leave the store with their creations same day with the final product presented in its own special package, taking customization to new heights touching an individual’s inner artist.

The grand opening of the Converse SoHo store will be on Friday, November 26, 2010, opening at 8 am. The store’s normal operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm.

Converse
560 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
United States
Tel: 212.966.1099