Vans Opens Its First Community-Driven Retail Store In Downtown Los Angeles

Feb 6 20 under Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off on Vans Opens Its First Community-Driven Retail Store In Downtown Los Angeles

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Vans opens its first community-driven retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles. The 11,500 sq. ft. space pays homage to Los Angeles’ deep skateboarding roots and thriving art community over two floors featuring work from a number of local makers, a wide range of Vans footwear, apparel and accessories, and a dedicated community experience studio.

Located at 808 S. Broadway, Vans DTLA features a mural from LA-based artist and designer Geoff McFetridge, who accentuated the raw brick and concrete walls of the building with his signature colorful, minimalist work. Atmospheric photos by skate legends Mike O’Meally, Ray Barbee, Tino Razo and Anthony Acosta further highlight LA’s importance in skate culture. The space also showcases work by local sign painter Julien Besser.

“Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused,” said Carly Gomez, VP of Marketing, Americas at Vans. “Downtown LA has a rich history of skate culture and artistic freedom. Not only will we be opening our doors to the new space, but we will introduce Studio808, located on the second floor of the new store where the community can share their creative energy through workshops, exhibitions and more.”

Furthering Vans commitment to LA skateboarding, the Vans DTLA store features a dedicated skate shop within the space that stocks hard goods from Los Angeles-based brands like Alva, Baker, Girl, and WKND alongside the full collection of Vans Pro Skate footwear and apparel. A selection of publications curated by DTLA gallery and store THESE DAYS rounds out the retail offering and gives customers a deeper look into local culture.

The second floor of Vans DTLA is home to Studio808, a community-driven gallery, lounge and workshop space, created in partnership with lifestyle magazine Monster Children. The studio will serve as a central hub for consumers and creatives with the goal of giving back to the local community. Offering hands-on art and design workshops, free of charge, Studio808’s ultimate aim is to build a platform for education to uplift underserved members of the community.

“We are excited to be opening Vans first retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles,” said Mitch Whitaker, VP/GM, Americas at Vans. “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.”

Solidifying Vans dedication to the DTLA neighborhood, the brand has partnered with non-profit organizations Goodwill and Chrysalis to create a community hiring program that employs a number of formerly homeless and at-risk youth candidates at Vans DTLA.

The Vans DTLA community-led retail store is open now and will offer monthly programming including workshops, talks, and art exhibitions beginning March 12, 2020. Visit vans.com/dtla for more information.”

We’re still waiting on an L.A. based Vault By Vans store, though, with Vault exclusives like NYC!

Store Hours

Monday – Sat 11am – 8pm

Sunday – 11am – 7pm

Address

808 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90014

Phone: 213-239-0331

more pics after the jump Read More

Vans Checkerboard Day (11.21.19)

Nov 6 19 under Art, Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS | Comments Off on Vans Checkerboard Day (11.21.19)

Vans is excited to announce the inaugural Vans Checkerboard Day to be held on November 21, 2019. Vans Checkerboard Day is an annual event that will champion and inspire creative expression globally. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in creative activations, experience why creativity matters, and give back to organizations that support creative expression. With the goal of fueling creativity, Vans will donate $1 million of global sales made through the brand’s owned retail locations and Vans.com on November 21st to imagination.org. Vans fans will have the opportunity to participate in global Checkerboard Day activations, events and brand touchpoints to connect local communities through unique and personal experiences.

The mission of imagination.org is to find, foster and fund creative entrepreneurship in children around the world in order to raise a new generation of innovators and problem solvers who have the tools they need to build the world they imagine.

In celebration of the launch of annual Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans will be auctioning off checkerboard footwear and backpacks customized by Steve Van Doren, Christian Hosoi, Geoff McFetridge, Kim Jaekyung, Brighton Zeuner and other Vans Global Ambassadors.

WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY TO HELP CELEBRATE VANS’ FIRST-EVER CHECKERBOARD DAY ON NOVEMBER 21, 2019!

#VANSCHECKERBOARDDAY

A Day At The New Vans Corporate Headquarters (8.30.17)

Sep 17 17 under Articles, Customs, Events, Friends, Heritage, History, NEWS, OTWS, Reviews, UTP | Comments Off on A Day At The New Vans Corporate Headquarters (8.30.17)

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I know it’s been a few weeks since we were invited to tour the Vans Corporate Headquarters, but life has really been in the way and I haven’t been able to really sit down and write.  I mainly wanted to share with you, some random photos that I was able to take while touring this amazing new facility.  Situated right off the 405 freeway in Costa Mesa, just West of Harbor Blvd., perfectly visible from the freeway, stands this gigantic checkerboard wrapped building, with an even more giant Vans logo on each side of the building.  It’s even more magnificent from the inside courtyard, where you’ve all seen that big red staircase that connects all 3 floors together.

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I started out my day meeting up with the Strictly Waffles fam Eddie and Joey in the parking lot.  We arrived inside to all of our Vans PR friends, and a few familiar faces I’ve met at past events.  We were provided with some breakfast items and Stumptown Coffee which is the coffee of choice throughout the main cafe, and the coffee kitchens situated on each floor.  I was all about that nitro cold brew that was on tap, served up by their very own barista Brandon.  This was too awesome.

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The day of course started with a nice introduction from Steve Van Doren, and his sister Cheryl, talking about what was important when asking employees about what they wanted the new building to have, as well as making sure it was a place that made you love being at work.  There are private think spaces throughout the entire building, an outdoor courtyard complete with a bell that can be rung and heard throughout the entire place, when you make a significant achievement, and there’s even a game room loaded with air hockey, foosball, and shuffleboards to blow off a little steam on.  Vans memorabilia is on display almost everywhere you look.  Band collab shoes, custom Fender guitars, and even the Vans Born Free 9 motorcycle that was built by Thompson Cycles. Read More

Sky Brown (8 Yrs Old) Becomes Youngest Girl To Compete In Vans US Open Pro Series #skybrown #awsmkids

Sep 21 16 under Girls, NEWS, Videos | Comments Off on Sky Brown (8 Yrs Old) Becomes Youngest Girl To Compete In Vans US Open Pro Series #skybrown #awsmkids

Check out this little ripper Sky Brown!  8 years old to be exact, and already competing against the big girls.  There’s a ton of videos of her and her bro out there on the internet, so I’ll save you the back story.  Just wanted to show some love to her awesomeness!

Vans Announces the 1st Annual Vans BMX Street Invitational (6.25.16)

Jun 17 16 under BMX, Contests, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS, Pro | Comments Off on Vans Announces the 1st Annual Vans BMX Street Invitational (6.25.16)

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The first ever Vans BMX Off The Wall BMX Street Invitational is a unique BMX Street event that brings together the biggest names in BMX Street riding – from the undisputed gold medalist to the video filming champ to the local boy battling it out at the Vans Off The Wall Skatepark & Jack’s Garage in Huntington Beach, CA.

The Vans BMX Street Invitational honors the sport’s elite as they illustrate their style across urban terrain including stairs, handrails, ledges and banks. The inaugural event welcomes the world’s best BMX street riders including Dakota Roche, Ty Morrow, Dan Lacey, Sean Sexton, Bruno Hoffmann and more.

more info after the jump

Read More

Damn Daniel And Josh Appear on Ellen! (Video)

Feb 24 16 under General Release, Heritage, History, Interviews, NEWS, Videos | Comments Off on Damn Daniel And Josh Appear on Ellen! (Video)

 

It looks like Ellen has caught wind of the “Damn Daniel” viral video, and had Daniel and Josh come on to her show to talk about it.  The high school kids are from Riverside, CA, so that probably made it a little bit easier to get them on, but the coolest part is that Ellen, known for her awesome gifts for her guests, gave Josh, the friend who took the snapchat videos of Daniel, and who’s voice deserves most of the credit for the viral clip, a brand new surfboard.  Daniel got the coolest gift of all though.  A lifetime supply of Vans shoes, thanks to Vans.  What perfect timing for the 50th anniversary of Vans!

The Consortium Co-Lab “collecticon” (Starting Sunday 11.8.15 from 12PM – 5PM)

Oct 20 15 under Collaborations, Events, Friends, Merchandise, NEWS, OTWS, UTP, Vintage | Comments Off on The Consortium Co-Lab “collecticon” (Starting Sunday 11.8.15 from 12PM – 5PM)
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We are extremely excited to announce, along w/ Sole Assassins (@soleassassins), and Footage by Thecoolshoeshine (@footage_official), that we’ll be hosting a bi-monthly “collecticon” if you will we’ve named, “Consortium Co-Lab” at the new Footage Air Space (@footageairspace) located next door to the Footage Shop in Brea, CA.

We invite all collectors to come BUY, SELL, and TRADE all things collectible, such as sneakers, toys, art, records, pins, and everything in between!

Footage consignors also have the option to pay for their vendor fees or make purchases from the event using consigned items as collateral!  So join us and help create a grassroots community created by some of the biggest nerds in the game….US!

This will be an all-ages gathering every other Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM launching on the 8th of November.  Limited tables are available, so please inquire by emailing us @ consortiumcolab@gmail.com.  Also feel free to call the shop @ 714-757-9001 or call Ron @ 562-253-3627 w/ any additional questions.  Please follow @consortiumcolab for updates regarding the event!  See you guys there!

580 West Lambert Road Suite H Brea, CA 92821

Vans Classic x Star Wars – Official Commercial! (Video)

May 5 14 under Ads, Celebs, Collaborations, Events, Heritage, History, NEWS, Pro, Videos | Comments Off on Vans Classic x Star Wars – Official Commercial! (Video)

Via Vans:

“To introduce the special edition Vans x Star Wars collection (shoes and apparel) launching June 2014, we went to the Vans Off the Wall Skatepark in Huntington Beach, CA to film a skate contest set in 1980. After legendary skateboarder Christian Hosoi finishes his run, a rookie wookiee (played by another legend — Steve Caballero) rips the bowl and receives mixed scores from the judges. Tony Alva, Jeff Grosso and Vans surf team riders Leila Hurst and Alex Knost can be seen cheering in the crowd alongside Stormtroopers, Jawas and Chewbacca.”

OffTheWall.TV is a digital online video network chronicling the unique aspects of Vans’ brand of youth culture through original video projects and exclusive content exploring skate, surf, snow, BMX, girls’ lifestyle, art and music. With more than 45 years of rich heritage and far-reaching influence in youth culture, OffTheWall.TV story-telling captures the creative expressions of Vans’ “Off the Wall” identity.

Check out http://offthewall.tv/

Subscribe to Vans OffTheWall.TV: http://bit.ly/1aIFFTY

#OffTheWallTV

STOLEN!!! Vans x Nibwaakaawin x Pendleton for All Nations Skate Jam (Surplus Stock Stolen)

May 4 12 under Collaborations, NEWS | Comments Off on STOLEN!!! Vans x Nibwaakaawin x Pendleton for All Nations Skate Jam (Surplus Stock Stolen)

info from Chris at OTW:

As you know, last week we previewed and promoted the special Vans Classics shoes Steve Van Doren created for the Native nonprofit’s Gathering of Nations/All Nations Skate Jam weekend. The event was a success and the Nibwaakaawin sold most of their stock but the surplus was stolen Sunday night.  The trailer containing $10,000 dollars worth of shoes was swiped from the Albuquerque hotel they were staying at.

Please refer to the local media coverage below for more information. If you see any of these custom Vans on the marketplace please contact authorities and the Nibwaakaawin (todd@allnationsskatejam.com). If you can share this information amongst your networks, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for all of your help.

Check out the local ABC7 News story here.

 

(Personal note to the thieves:  You’re better off just returning, or abandoning the trailer, and the goods somewhere, because you won’t be able to make a dime off of these.  They’re highly recognizable, especially in the local area.  I’m sure you didn’t know what you were stealing, but this time karma caught up with you.  Good luck dumb asses!)

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