Converse Inc. has announced 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 Newbury Street, Boston. The heart of Manhattan’s vibrant SoHo shopping district provides an ideal backdrop to showcase Converse’s diverse product offering, including one-of-a-kind footwear, a brand new collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories, as well as unique product customisation capabilities.

Tying back to the brand’s 102 year old American heritage, an American flag made from 648 pairs of red, white and blue Chuck Taylor All Star shoes will welcome visitors

The new SoHo store located at 560 Broadway (corner of Prince Street) will open at 8 am on Friday, November 26. The store’s normal operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm.

“The Converse brand was first in sports and first in rock ‘n roll so we’re extremely excited to bring our fans the first Converse New York City specialty retail store,” said Michael Spillane, Converse Chief Executive Officer. “Converse has deep roots in New York City culture from basketball to the influential underground music scenes of the 80s and 90s.”

The SoHo store will offer the largest collection of Converse footwear in the world, showcasing the breadth of the brand’s designs including Chuck Taylor All Star, Jack Purcell, Star Chevron, One Star and Converse by John Varvatos, as well as other premium footwear collaborations. Additionally, the Converse apparel collection includes a range of graphic t-shirts and denim, as well as New York exclusive merchandise with over 20 exclusive footwear styles and limited edition t-shirts.

From old gymnasium bleachers and recycled wood flooring to Brooklyn factory parts and iconic New York City imagery, all in-store elements blend to create authentic design details

The store’s design features speak directly to Converse’s distinct sport and rock 'n roll heritage. The single floor retail space is approximately 7,000 square feet using several reclaimed and natural elements to create a vintage inspired feel.

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.

Customers will be able to create their own designs and leave with final product on the same day

Another key feature of the New York City store experience will be Converse’s unique customisation capabilities for both apparel and footwear available in-store. Converse customisation will allow customers to select exclusive product including shoes, t-shirts and bags, along with graphics and colours, to create their very own masterpiece of personal expression. Customisation Maestros will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance and customers will be able to create and leave the store with their creations on the same day. The final product will be presented in its own special package.


Marina Felippe