Vancouver's Native Shoes to open first standalone store in Gastown

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      Vancouver-based footwear label Native Shoes will open its first brick-and-mortar store at 14 Water Street this December.

      Situated in the space recently vacated by local eco-designer Nicole Bridger, the shop will stock Native’s core and seasonal product lines, which include slip-on shoes, sneakers, and boots for men, women, and children. Best known for its perforated Jefferson kicks, the brand crafts the majority of its footwear from a lightweight material called ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA, which is shock-absorbent, waterproof, and odor-resistant.

      The store’s design will feature natural woods and a moss wall that pays tribute to Native’s West Coast roots, as well as a “gumball machine” installation to showcase the Jefferson shoe, which comes in a rainbow of colours and prints. In addition, pop-up shops and collaborations with local artists, brands, and creators will occasionally be hosted in the space.

      “We’re extremely proud to open our first retail location in our hometown Vancouver,” said Kyle Housman, president at Native Shoes, in a press statement. “This new space will be a creative hub where design, fashion and community intersect.”

      Founded in Vancouver in 2009, Native is also committed to being vegan or “beast free”, which the company defines as using no animal hair or hide in its products.

      Native Shoes’ first dedicated store is scheduled to open in mid-December. In the meantime, you can find the brand at one of 50-plus retailers in Metro Vancouver.

      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

      Places to go nearby

      Approx. 15 minutes away

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