It’s finally open! The massive Los Angeles Vans flagship store celebrated its grand opening today on Broadway, sandwiched between the future Apple flagship store now actively under construction and the pioneering clothing retailer, Urban Outfitters, which opened inside the historic 1917 Rialto Theatre in 2013. Delayed by as much as half a year — the DTLA Vans store was “supposed to” open as early as late summer 2019 — the Southern California skating lifestyle brand experienced multiple delays due to city inspectors withholding occupancy approvals. First announced on DTLA Rising in 2017, the opening of Vans is another show of confidence that Downtown LA is not only a viable market for retailers to do business but also a location where retailers are excited to introduce one-of-a-kind retail concepts not available anywhere else. Opening unique retail experiences will set DTLA apart from other suburban areas and attract more shoppers to return to the once forlorn city center. Visiting the store opening today, I could sense the immense pride as Vans corporate employees expressed to me how …
