Earlier this month, Arc’teryx opened its first European brand store in the heart of London. I was fortunate enough to visit the store yesterday and several friends asked me to take photos.
I’ve visited the brand stores in Seattle as well as Washington, DC and this is the largest of the three, with two floors.
Shoppers are greeted with a daily update of weather conditions at several mountain destinations.
Upstairs is Women’s Wear.
In addition to multiple mannequin displays of the clothing and gear, Arc’teryx wants its customers to participate and there are several ways to do that.
I am most impressed by Arc’teryx’s effort to incorporate the brand story into the store. First and foremost is pride in their relationship with W.L. Gore & Co.
This includes interactive displays on the materials they use.
Arc’teryx takes pride in their color offerings and there are some hands on displays to help you see what they are all about.
The store is well staffed and they are both friendly and knowledgeable.
You walk down a large, open staircase to reach the lower level. This massive, floor-to-ceiling display is at the foot of the stairs and showcases some amazing artifacts.
Having visited the factory in Vancouver several years ago I can tell you that in the past, several of these custom jigs and molds were trade secrets, closely held by the company. They give you a real behind-the-scenes look at the ingenuity of their designers.
The basement floor is well stocked with Men’s wear and broken up into different types of clothing.
There is even a Veilance section as well as footwear (not pictured).
All-in-all, the London Arc’teryx store is a great experience and I highly recommend you visit, if you’re in town.
Tags: Arc'teryx
You are kidding me right ? You took more pictures of this store, one that we’ll never actually visit, than you did for sh*t that really matters. Who cares. I guess you will get more free stuff with each camera click.
Actually, this is really cool. The “industry” you cake here to gawk at runs much, much deeper than new patterns and 3 day packs.
For what it is worth, I visited the DC store after the SoldierSystems review. The store is cool, had knowledgable staff and the visit led me eventually to buy one of their packs.
Am I going to travel to London to visit the store? No. Might visit next time I am there however.
Boohoo.
Thanks SSD, I’ll visit the store next time I’m in London.
I have a huge respect for Arcteryx gear, having used it around the world. I enjoyed seeing the manufacturing process. The extensive photo collection presented here is precisely because most of us may never get a chance to visit and it showcases a rare, inside look into a premier company.
Willis,
Think you have the wrong blog. Unlike most of the industry type blogs, SSD doesn’t play the give me freebies in exchange for airtime game. I could be wrong, but maybe he just went to the store and liked it. Kind of like going to the REI in Seattle, it’s a cool place to check out if you’re in the neighborhood.
I’m sorry you didn’t like the photos. Several folks asked me to take them. But free stuff? We paid full retail for a couple of items in this store. I’m glad you know all about my life. Plus, that flight to the UK from Virginia wasn’t exactly cheap, not to mention my room. And, have you ever eaten in London? It’s expensive. No, this trip cost me plenty and by extension, those photos.
How do you know “We’ll never actually visit”…the internet and this blog exists beyond US shores.
Love the Dead Bird; just bought some of their apparel a few hours ago.
Just don’t visit the outlet store in Colorado. You’ll lose a little money.
I nearly pooped my pants when I saw that store and then maybe cut off a few folks trying to exit I-70. They have a healthy selection in the store but I happen to be the most common size out there so there is very little in Large or Medium except for jackets. They also had some leaf gear in there too! There is also a Mountain Hardwear and North Face store if you don’t blow all your money at the first stop.
Really Cool. I have messed around with Alpha SVT Jackets in some of the outlet stores in Tokyo and other cities in Japan and gotten good opportunities to get a feel for them.
I would never buy from an outlet, but it’s a nice chance to try things out before you buy them on ebay for 70% of the price they’re listed at.
Yawn….yawn again.
Did you forget about the retail store in Minneapolis SSD? In Lake Calhoun square I believe 😉
Why does it remind me of a children’s science museum?
Their stuff is always WAY over priced.
When is the last time you shopped from Arc’teryx?
No LEAF products, damn.
None of the brand stores offer LEAF products. However, I know they have shown up in the outlet stores.