Covent Garden becomes home to Vans' new boutique retail concept

Sports brand Vans has officially opened its brand new boutique store in London as part of its UK retail ‘transformation’.

Real estate firm The Mercers’ Company has announced the launch of Vans’ new retail concept at 5-7 Neal Street, in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.

Comprising two floors and spanning 4,359 sq ft, the concept store stocks a selection of footwear, apparel and accessories as well as featuring an ‘activation space’ in the basement which will house a range of installations, workshops and events.

Diego Baronchelli, vice president - direct to consumer at 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 refits, 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.”