PUMA OPENS ITS FIRST-EVER NORTH AMERICAN FLAGSHIP

Puma opens the doors to its first-ever North American flagship store today, located at 609 Fifth Avenue in New York City.

With a focus on cutting-edge technology and products, the store showcases an immersive Puma brand space—offering consumers a unique shopping experience through innovative sports engagement zones, a customization studio and digitally connected offerings. The store features 18,000 square-feet of interactive retail space spanning two floors, with state-of-the-art double-height storefronts across 160 feet of wraparound frontage.

The sportswear brand has partnered with artists and designers to bring its Puma x You customization studio to the store. Consumers can customize and personalize Puma footwear, apparel, and accessories using paints, dips, dyes, patchwork, embroidery, 3D-knitting, laser printing, pinning, material upcycling, and many other creative mediums. New artist residencies begin every two weeks — including collaboration partners like Sue Tsai, BWOOD, Maria Jahnkoy, Même. and Pintrill, with additional artists announced later this year.

And, beginning Labor Day weekend with the kings of customization, the store will launch Chinatown Market University, where store patrons will be able to customize their Puma apparel, footwear, and accessories using Chinatown Market’s state-of-the-art printing technology. The Chinatown Market team will also be teaching classes around various DIY and customization methods to help inspire the next generation of creatives. Beyond the flagship store, Chinatown Market University, a program being launched in collaboration with Puma, will pop up in various forms through 2020.

Throughout the year, the New York flagship will also feature exclusive collections designed by select brand ambassadors and athletes, and host unique events and experiences authentic to New York City. The flagship store will carry the full range of PUMA products including lifestyle, basketball, motorsport, golf, performance, soccer and kids.

Consumers can experience the store’s unique offerings during the grand opening weekend, August 29 through September 2, with events which include in-store performances, fitness activations and exclusive opening weekend merchandise.

“Puma is thrilled to open its first flagship in New York City, in a prime Manhattan location, that will allow us to connect with both our U.S. and international customers,” said Bjoern Gulden chief executive officer of Puma SE. “I believe investing in this new store—in one of the fastest-paced cities in the world—will help us in our pursuit to be the fastest sports brand in the world. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of sports, fashion, and technology, and this store is the latest manifestation of that commitment.”

“Puma continues to see solid growth within North America and this new store reaffirms our commitment to this important market,” added Bob Philion, president of Puma North America. “From visitors that come to experience this iconic city, to lifelong New Yorkers, we’re excited to open our doors in a vibrant and diverse community that aligns with our ‘Forever Faster’ mentality.”