Converse Inc. announced today the grand opening of its new world headquarters on Boston’s Lovejoy Wharf and the opening of its sixth inline retail store in the U.S. on Friday, May 15.
With the 10-story, 214,000 sq.-ft. headquarters and Converse’s second inline retail store in the state debuting Friday, the Nike-owned company continues to expand its presence in its home state — Converse was established in 1908 in Malden, Mass.
“The opening of our new world headquarters is a momentous occasion for Converse,” said Converse CEO and President Jim Calhoun in a release. “It brings us closer to the city’s creative community and provides greater access to top talent. We’re thrilled to be here ushering in this new era for the brand.”
Converse said the building features an array of exciting touches, including “a grand Chuck Taylor sneaker chandelier installation at the wharf entrance and outdoor decks on the second and ninth floors, with views of the Charles River.”
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Meanwhile, the one-of-a-kind flagship store will allow shoppers to customize the textiles, laces and other design elements of their Chuck Taylors using Converse Blank Canvas, an experience only available at the flagship. Sneaker customizations will start at $150.
“The Converse at Lovejoy Wharf store is the most premium retail celebration of the creative spirit of our consumers,” said David Kelsay, Converse’s VP of global retail. “With this store, we’ve created a truly unique and unfiltered Converse experience that pushes the boundaries of retail, empowering our fans to engage with our products in new ways and unleashing their creativity like never before.”
The company said the store will also offer a range of Boston-inspired styles and collaborations for men, women and kids; limited-edition sneakers and T-shirts; and Chuck Taylor All Star Core, Seasonal Color, All Star Fashion, Cons and Jack Purcell sneakers.
