Vans unveils European debut for its new Boutique concept store in Covent Garden
The Mercers’ Company has today announced that Vans, the original action sports brand, has kicked off its UK retail transformation with the official opening of its brand new Boutique store at 5-7 Neal Street, the first of its kind in Europe.
Comprising two floors and spanning 4,359 sq ft the concept store stocks a premium selection of footwear, apparel and accessories, including Vault by Vans and their latest collaboration with designer Vivienne Westwood; the Boutique champions their Vans’ “Off The Wall” ethos. Designed by the Vans in-house team, the new concept store pays tribute to the brand’s creative expression featuring a dedicated activation space in the basement; set to house a variety of installations, workshops and events.
Diego Baronchelli, Vice President Direct To Consumer, Vans, commented: “We are very excited about our retail transformation coming to life in London, we aim to provide shoppers with a much needed differentiated and authentic consumer experience. Covent Garden, being home to London’s most iconic stores, seemed like the perfect place for the first Boutique store in Europe. The Covent Garden Boutique store will be followed by the opening of Vans’ first store on Oxford Street and a series of store re-fits, including Vans Carnaby Street.”
Simon Taylor, Property Director at the Mercers’ Company, added:“We are always looking to work with pioneering brands at the forefront of the retail industry and Vans’ exciting new Boutique concept fits in seamlessly amongst the fashion-forward retailers in Covent Garden. The brand’s selection of our Neal Street unit to kick start their transformation showcases the popular and successful status that the Mercers’ Estate holds as a leading retail destination, and we look forward to welcoming the array of creative activations within their exciting event space.”
The opening follows the recent news that LaDuca, the internationally renowned dance shoe brand from New York, has officially opened its first UK site in Covent Garden.
Hanover Green Retail and JLLacted on behalf of the Mercers’ Company, CBRE acted for Vans whilst Colliers represented LaDuca.
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Notes to Editors
About the Mercers’ Company
The Mercers’ Company is a 700-year-old livery company focused on being a philanthropic force for good.
Each year our aim is to distribute £15 million to charitable causes. Our giving is focused on Young People & Education, Older People & Housing and Church & Communities. This allows us to create positive change across generations, giving those we help the chance to live a fulfilling life now and in the future.
The Mercers’ support 180 individual charities annually and provide high-quality accommodation to 215 residents in our six almshouses, work closely with our associated schools which educate 18,000 children, and appoint 88 charity trustees and school governors.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans®authentic collections are sold in 84 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans®has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans®brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.