Australia’s first Foot Locker Power Store to open at Melbourne QV
Thousands of sneaker fans across the world spend hours lining up to shop at Foot Locker’s unique “Power” stores — now Melburnians are set to join the craze. Here’s everything you need to know about the grand opening.
Lifestyle
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Sneaker lovers are expected to queue overnight to be the first to set foot inside Australia’s first Foot Locker Power Store at Melbourne QV on Friday.
Modelled on the successful large-scale retail concept rolled out by Foot Locker across Europe, North America and Asia, the new store sprawls over two levels and features big screens, gaming consoles, DJ stations and selfie mirrors, as well as a customised women’s section and lounge for female sneaker-heads.
Melbourne sneaker addict Sophia Chowdhury, who owns 40 pairs of sneakers, says she’s excited the concept is coming to Melbourne.
“I’m excited about the dedicated women’s section. Women love shoes as much as guys but they have limited or stereotyped options when shopping for sneakers sometimes. I have small feet so it’s good to have a female focused area with sizes that fit me,” she says.
While fashion retail has struggled in recent years, the sneaker business is booming.
Brendan Graham, Foot Locker senior director of marketing, says sneaker culture has penetrated the world of fashion and broadened the significance of sneakers and athletically inspired apparel and accessories.
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“The limited nature of sneaker releases, and the stories behind them, has helped build an appetite for sneakers that’s growing into new demographics, genders and ages. People are also dressing ‘feet first’ now,” he says.
Ms Chowdhury says she has spent up to $600 a pair on her sneaker habit.
“Right now I’m loving a black and silver Adidas pair I’ve recently acquired because they have an amazing metallic border that pops when you wear them. I also love the new female-designed Jordans and female-designed sneakers broadly — there needs to be more,” she says.