adidas will open in mid-November its new concept “Home of Sport” store on Robson Street in Vancouver.
In a news release, the retailer said the flagship location will be the first of its kind in Canada and the U.S., offering a unique shopping experience that celebrates the essence of sport through a culturally rich lens.
“The Home of Sport store will occupy nearly 35,000 square feet, seamlessly integrating both the main floor and basement of the historic building. Once home to the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, the space retains its stunning architectural design, providing a unique backdrop for an elevated shopping experience. The store will feature innovative digital tools such as LED tickers that enhance navigation and storytelling for consumers, inviting visitors to engage with adidas’s diverse product offerings – from performance gear to lifestyle apparel and more,” it said.
“Our new store on Robson Street is an exciting step for adidas in Vancouver and also within Canada,” said Lesley Hawkins, Vice President of Retail at adidas Canada. “Our goal is to create a community hub that honours both sport and culture, combining elements like our state-of-the-art Run Lab for personalized footwear analysis and Made For You customization areas to provide an enhanced and memorable shopping experience for everyone.”
The Run Lab will use advanced biometric technology to analyze customers’ running styles, ensuring they find the perfect footwear fit. In the Made For You spaces, customers can personalize popular products with locally inspired designs, offering a unique way to express their individual style, said adidas.
In a previous story with Retail Insider, Hawkins said: “Vancouver is a very international market, one of the most diverse cities in North America and a true gateway to the Pacific region, so a strong presence in the city just makes sense. With regards to the building, Robson Central has a long and very meaningful cultural history, from its initial function as the central library, to its time as home to iconic brands/institutions such as Virgin (Canada’s first Megastore), Planet Hollywood, HMV and still to this day Bell Media (CTV).
“The vision behind the project was to strip the heritage building down to its core and let the beauty of the award-winning architectural design shine, exposing the high ceilings and utilizing the natural light. An intent that aligns very well with our Home of Sport concept, rooted in functional simplicity. With elements like the Running Lab and modular fixturing which will allow for community events in the space, we look to bring back the cultural relevance of the building.”
The retailer said the Robson store pays homage to the building’s history while celebrating its award-winning architectural features.
“Thoughtful design choices will reveal remnants of the original structure, including restored finishes that reflect the site’s heritage, creating a harmonious blend of the past and present,” it said.
“Known for its diverse community and rich cultural landscape, Vancouver is a key market for adidas. The Robson Street location stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to the city, offering a space that can host community events and activations, further connecting with local consumers.”
