The 100-year-old brand adds its fifth U.S. retail location in less than a year
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919,
continues its strong retail expansion with its first store in
Philadelphia and its fifth U.S. specialty retail store with other
locations in Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Chicago. The official
grand opening of the new store on 1507 Walnut Street will take place on
Saturday, March 23, giving the Philadelphia community access to the
iconic brand in this premiere retail district.
The newest Champion store is located in the heart of Downtown
Philadelphia, situated amongst a variety of high-end retailers, shops,
salons, restaurants and businesses. Located right in Center City,
Philadelphians will have easy access to Champion’s stunning new retail
location via SEPTA buses and subway lines. Additionally, the store is a
short walk from Suburban Station, allowing those from outside of the
city the opportunity to shop for coveted Champion pieces and to
experience the brand in-person.
“We are excited to come to Philadelphia with a new store that truly
celebrates the city and the rich culture that makes it so special,” said
David Robertson, Director Champion Brand Marketing. “Philadelphia has a
rich tradition in sports, the arts, academics and cuisine, and we look
forward to becoming a part of this one-of-a-kind community. The Center
City location is the perfect place for our brand to build an impactful
connection with the city for years to come as we look to further enrich
the community through events and unique products. From vintage Champion
Philadelphia sports memorabilia to exclusive Philadelphia pieces, we’re
creating an immersive hub of activity that helps us to genuinely connect
with our customers beyond our quality Champion products.”
The 3,040 square foot space marks Champion’s first two-floor store
concept in the U.S., and will allow customers to have an interactive
experience while shopping. With the entire second floor dedicated to
customization, it gives consumers hands on access to the product while
deepening their knowledge of the brand. The new store will also work to
transcend a typical retail space by creating a welcoming hub for the
community to engage with the brand via monthly in-store activations and
events such as live screen printing.
-
At the grand opening, the first 500 customers to shop the store will
receive a custom Champion tote with art by Philadelphia’s very own
Alloyius Mcilwaine, known for his captivating paintings and murals.
Alloyius Mcilwaine will also design a limited edition t-shirt, only
available at this location.
-
Specialized Champion products will also be available exclusively in
the Philadelphia store, including a Champion Philadelphia capsule
collection. National and local collaborations will cycle in and out of
the store from time to time.
-
Customers will also have the ability to create their own unique
Champion gear using a variety of colors, fonts and patches with
on-site embroidery and customization services.
-
To show its appreciation for the talents unique to the community, as
well as its support of the arts, the store also features a mural by
Alloyius Mcilwaine, and a yard-bombing installation by Ishknits, both
prominent artists within the acclaimed Philadelphia artistic
collective, Tiny Room for Elephants. Both artists drew upon Champion
designs and their love for the city of Philadelphia as their
inspiration for the pieces.
-
Champion’s heritage will be on display with select archival items from
vintage product and memorabilia to vintage advertisements dating back
through the brand’s 100-year history.
-
Reverse Weave®, the brand’s signature franchise, will be on display in
a vast array of colorful sweatshirts, hoodies and joggers. Visitors to
the Philadelphia Champion store will also have direct access to the
brand’s latest Spring 2019 collection featuring footwear, bags, hats
and other exclusive items as they are released.
The Philadelphia store’s two-story retail design concept integrates
unique design elements representative of the brand’s athletic DNA such
as fixtures made from reclaimed basketball gym floors and custom benches
made from lockers. Additionally, the store has wallpaper made of
collages of vintage Champion ads, catalogs and other imagery allowing
for customers to experience the heritage of the 100-year-old brand in a
modern format. Just as Champion has touched generations of sports and
fashion enthusiasts, the new Philadelphia location works to pay homage
to the brand’s rich history as well as the city’s renowned presence
while providing fresh interpretations of iconic products for residents
of the City of Brotherly Love to enjoy.
To learn more, visit Champion.com
and follow on Instagram @champion_philly,
Twitter
and Facebook.
About Champion®
Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has
offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women
including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms and
accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art
product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel
for our consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department
stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com.
For more information, please contact us at 1-800-315-0563 or at Facebook.com/Champion,
follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is
a brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI).
