Adidas draws on spirit of Seongsu-dong for new flagship
From the outside, a new store bearing the Adidas Trefoil logo in Seoul's Seongsu-dong stands out with its red-brick facade, reminiscent of repurposed factories.
The store, which opened Friday, marks the latest flagship from Adidas Originals and gives a clear nod to the neighborhood's industrial heritage in what has become a district where trendsetters converge to keep their fingers on the cultural pulse.
More than a conventional retail space, this three-story flagship stands as a statement underpinning Adidas Korea's effort to reflect a sense of local place and identity.
On the ground level, signature sneakers are displayed behind glass windows within a cylinder resembling a silver pillar. Further in, apparel collections line the walls, while one side of the store opens into the vibrant rhythm of the street.
The second floor features a digital screen stretching towards the ceiling, presenting a curated selection of Adidas's iconic footwear and exclusive pieces available only at this location. On the third floor, a customization studio invites visitors to create personalized t-shirts.
Among the store's exclusive shoes are the Superstar Seoul, which pays tribute to the city's urban energy, and the Taekwondo Ballet Core, a silhouette that melds the discipline of martial arts with the grace of ballet.
'Along with housing exclusive products, the new flagship sets itself apart through a thoughtfully designed space that evokes the cultural texture of Seongsu-dong,' a company official said, adding that the store would appeal to younger generations of both Korean and international visitors.
The brand's effort to reimagine Korean heritage through its own design language was also evident in a company-wide design competition that produced original graphics, as well as in commissioned artworks by Korean artists who reinterpreted classic Adidas silhouettes through the lens of traditional Korean craft.
'This is more than just a retail space but a dynamic hub that brings together street culture, fashion and art,' said Preston Page, vice president of retail at Adidas Korea. 'Through a carefully curated product lineup and immersive experiences, this store will allow customers to truly engage with the essence of Adidas Originals.'
Meanwhile, the company continues to future-proof its brand by strengthening local relevance and building long-term competitiveness, with the Seongsu flagship signaling a broader commitment to localization and experience-driven retail.
The new flagship launch follows the debut of a heritage concept store in Bukchon last August and builds on the brand's customization services in key locations, such as Hongdae and Gangnam. According to the company, each store interprets cultural storytelling and place-based experience in its own way, informed by the aesthetics and spirit of its surrounding neighborhood.
minmin@heraldcorp.com
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