Iconic sneaker brand set to open store in Huntsville
Vans are synonymous with skateboarding, street style and Spicoli. The Anaheim, Calif., founded brand, known for their iconic shoes, plans to open a store in Huntsville this year, recently signing a lease at Bridge Street Towne Centre, the retail, dining and entertainment development.
A late summer opening has been targeted for the Vans Store, according to a Bridge Street rep. The store will be in a 2,716-square-foot space next to lululemon, the yoga-pants juggernaut.
Vans’ classic shoes include the checkerboard slip-ons magnificent stoner Jeff Spicoli wore in classic 1982 comedy film ”Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Others include the “Old Skool,” “Sk8-Hi” and “Authentic.”
Many Vans shoes featured the “sidestripe,” originally called the “jazz stripe,” logo on the sides. In addition to their classic style, Vans are known for their affordability and durability.
Founded in 1966 by Paul Van Doren, the company is also known for their clothing and accessories. The company really started taking off in the early ‘70s as skateboarding grew exponentially during that time. There’s an excellent vans.com%2Fen-us%2Fcompany%2Fabout%232017″timeline of Vans’ history on the company’s website.
Bridge Street opened in 2007. The outdoor-oriented development is home to a wide array of tenants including Apple Store, H&M, Connors Steak & Seafood, Cinemark movie theater and Westin Hotel. Vans previously opened a store in the Birmingham market, located at Hoover mall Riverchase Galleria.
Huntsville skateboarder, photographer and event promoter Miles Whitmore. He’s wearing a pair of of Vans x Wacko Maria shoes. (Courtesy Toby Bell)
Huntsville skateboarder, photographer and event promoter Miles Whitmore, now 27, has been wearing Vans sneakers since he was 6-years-old. He says Huntsville getting a Vans Store is a big deal for Huntsville’s skateboarding community — already excited about a new skate park on the way — and local sneaker culture.
“Hopefully they’ll