Vans debuts community-focused store in downtown LA

By

Robin Driver

Published
Feb 11, 2020

VF Corporation-owned streetwear brand Vans has opened its first “community-driven retail and event space” in Downtown Los Angeles, complete with a dedicated skate shop and an area for exhibitions and workshops.

 
Located at 808 S. Broadway, the 11,500-square-foot space’s skate shop offers the full Vans Pro Skate footwear and apparel collection, as well as hard goods from local LA brands, such as Alva, Baker, Girl and WKND.
 
The space’s local focus is also reflected in the artworks that decorate it, which include a mural from LA-based artist and designer Geoff McFetridge, and work by local sign painter Julier Besser, as well as photos by Mike O’Meally, Ray Barbee, Tino Razo and Anthony Acosta.

Where Vans DTLA’s community approach really comes in to play, though, is on the second floor, which houses Studio808, a gallery, lounge and workshop space created in collaboration with lifestyle magazine Monster Children.
 
The studio will offer free art and design workshops and host exhibitions, serving as a hub for customers and creatives, while seeking to provide educational opportunities “to uplift underserved members of the community.”
 
As part of its commitment to the local community, Vans has also teamed up with non-profits Goodwill and Chrysalis in order to source talent through their development initiatives, which work with previously homeless and at-risk youth.
 
“Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused,” commented Carly Gomez, VP of marketing for the Americas at Vans, in a release.
 
“For 54 years, Vans has called California home. We're grateful to be reinforcing the brand's Southern California roots and legacy through this new space that is both reflective of, and designed for, the community and unique experiences,” added Mitch Whitaker, VP and GM of the Americas at Vans.
 
The Vans DTLA store is open now. Studio808’s program of workshops, talks and exhibitions kicks off on March 12, 2020.