Adidas has announced plans to open its new 35,000-square-foot flagship store in downtown Vancouver in mid-November.

The German athletic shoemaker had not previous firm timeline other than to say it would open by December, in time for the for the start of the upcoming Christmas shopping season.

Adidas leased the former Victoria’s Secret store at Robson and Burrard streets after the fashion retailer quietly vacated the premises earlier this year to relocate to a smaller space in Cadillac Fairview’s nearby CF Pacific Centre. In decades gone by, the site was the home of the Vancouver Public Library’s central branch.

The heritage-designated Robson and Burrard property is situated in a prime location along a western stretch of Robson Street featuring global name-brand retail outlets. Adidas hopes that customers will become enamoured with the store’s historic architecture. 

While firming up the timeline, Adidas also provided more details on what the highly anticipated outlet will include. The store will offer Adidas’ first Home of Sport concept in Canada and the U.S.

Features will include digital tools such as LED tickers that enhance navigation and storytelling for consumers, inviting visitors to engage with Adidas’ diverse product offerings, including performance gear and lifestyle apparel.

“Our goal is to create a community hub that honours both sport and culture, combining elements like our state-of-the-art Run Lab for personalized footwear analysis and Made For You customization areas to provide an enhanced and memorable shopping experience for everyone,” said Lesley Hawkins, vice-president of retail at Adidas Canada.

The Run Lab will use advanced biometric technology to analyze buyers’ running styles, ensuring they find the perfect footwear fit. In the Made For You spaces, customers can personalize popular products with locally inspired designs, offering a unique way to express their individual style. 

Martin Moriarty previously told Postmedia that he and Marcus and Millichap colleague Mario Negris negotiated the lease on behalf of Adidas.

According to Postmedia, the Vancouver store will be the company’s largest Canadian location.

Image: CNW Group/Adidas