Salomon, the iconic footwear brand known for its rugged gorpcore aesthetics and outdoor performance roots, has stepped into the gritty streets of New York City. As one of the fastest-growing brands among urbanites and other fashion enthusiasts, Salomon continues to elevate the idea of gorpore, blending high-performance gear with innovative, edgy street style. The brand's footwear has become a staple for both fashion-forward city dwellers and off-the-grid trekkers alike.
Salomon is deepening its presence in the U.S., launching its first-ever retail outpost in the heart of SoHo, New York. This pop-up store, dedicated to the brand's Sportstyle product category, will be open to the public from October 2, 2024, through January 2025. New York, is known for its appreciation of practical yet stylish everyday wear, providing a backdrop for Salomon to cement its influence on city fashion.
Salomon's journey in New York is a natural progression of the brand's meteoric rise over the past half-decade. From the trails of the French Alps to the street styles globally, Salomon has gained a loyal following, thanks to its ability to merge functionality with fashion. The Sportstyle collection, inspired by the brand's outdoor performance designs, captures this blend, making it an essential part of Salomon's future vision for its audience.
The SoHo location will showcase an assortment of Salomon's signature styles, including the ACS, Speedcross 3, and the highly coveted XT-6. The new Snowclog also drops, a sleek winter boot designed to handle both urban streets and rugged terrain with ease.
SoHo, New York, has long been a hub for creativity and fashion. With its global visitors, top designers, and art galleries, it's the perfect place for Salomon to plant its first U.S. store. Steve Doolan, President of Salomon Americas, explains, "New York has been a global cultural hub for decades, and its community has long known and adopted Salomon."
"Most recently that connectivity has been to some of its most vaunted heritage styles, which are seen every day on the streets of New York City. Seeing that adoption was motivation to speak to and connect directly through a store."
The SoHo pop-up not only marks a key moment in the brand's expansion into the U.S. market but also serves as a test for future brick-and-mortar locations. Following the pop-up, Salomon plans to open five more physical stores across the U.S. in 2025, with a permanent flagship in New York City.
To celebrate the launch on October 2, 2024, Salomon is hosting a day of immersive experiences, and giveaways and refreshments will be provided by Ground Support Café and Sweet Chick, and music by DJ Rich Fazo. Every hour, guests can win a pair of the sought-after XT-6 sneakers, and special edition Salomon tote bags, designed exclusively for New York, will be available. There will also be gift-with-purchase options, featuring unique shoe accessories by artists like Cr8 Lacy, Ilyang Ilyang, and Christina Fernandez.
Salomon's expansion into New York continues to bridge the gap between outdoor functionality and urban fashion, solidifying its place as a leader in the gorpcore movement. The New York pop-up is just one chapter in Salomon's broader global story. The brand already boasts flagship stores in major cities like London, Barcelona, Seoul, and Tokyo, as well as the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Each location reinforces Salomon's commitment to creating products that resonate with urban audiences and outdoor enthusiasts.