Outdoor Voices is opening a new flagship store as it takes on athleisure giants Lululemon and Athleta. Here's what it looks like inside.
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Nov 27, 2019, 19:45 IST
The Outdoor Voices store is located on 142 5th Avenue.
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It will open officially on Black Friday at 9 a.m., though its normal weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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When we walked in, we immediately saw limited-edition, New York-themed Outdoor Voices apparel, like this shirt intended to be a play on the "Big Apple."
We also spotted various cacti around the store. According to the Outdoor Voices spokesperson, the plants are an homage to the company's Austin headquarters.
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The plants are sourced from New York's Cactus Store but are species that are specific to Texas.
The store wasn't as big as we expected, but it was quite organized and everything was easily accessible.
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Throughout the store, you could find products printed with the Outdoor Voices tagline "Doing Things."
As we walked around, we saw the classic items that originally brought Outdoor Voices to fame, like its functional leggings.
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The store includes some of the brand's newer offerings, like exercise skirts and dresses.
In addition to its traditional apparel, the store has branded knickknacks like water bottles and snacks from the trendy Los Angeles-based grocer Erewhon Market.
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In 2018, Outdoor Voices launched footwear as part of a collaboration with Hoku One One.
There was also a projector playing Outdoor Voices promotional videos so that shoppers could see the products in action.
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Toward the back, we found menswear, a newer category to Outdoor Voices that the brand is continuing to build out.
There, we spotted the new Moab waterproof boot, which is extremely lightweight.
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The Outdoor Voices tote bag is a different color in each city; New York City's is black.
In the middle of the store is a service bar, where shoppers will be able to consult with sales associates on recommendations.
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There, shoppers will be asked about their physical activity preferences and their level of sweat in order to find the right designs and the right fabrics.
Swatches of fabrics and patterns are stored in these wooden shelving units, where sales associates can guide shoppers on the best products to buy.
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Even with the various Texas flourishes, the store has some New York-inspired tchotchkes.
In the center of the store are geometric chair cushions for shoppers, which can be easily moved to provide space for community events and physical activities.
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For the New York store, the team focused on spotlighting layering pieces for the chillier temperatures as we move into winter, the Outdoor Voices spokesperson said.
The fitting rooms are at the very back of the store, and they're designed to feel like a traditional gym or YMCA, according to Outdoor Voices.
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As we walked into the fitting rooms, we saw the Outdoor Voices mission statement on the wall.
The fitting rooms are outfitted with colorful tiles and #DoingThings stickers on the mirror, perfect for an Instagram selfie.
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The floors have a spongy, gymnasium-like quality, according to the spokesperson.
Before leaving, you can pick up the latest edition of the Outdoor Voices zine The Recreationalist.
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While the new flagship ultimately didn't seem a whole lot different from the Soho location, we're sure New Yorkers will appreciate having more options.