Deckers Outdoor Corp. (Goleta, Calif.) will open its first UGG Australia store in Chicago this winter.
The popular brand of sheepskin boots opened its flagship store in New York’s SoHo district in 2006 and says plans have been made to open boutiques across the U.S. and in Montreal.
“We believe the opportunity exists for UGG Australia stores in many of the major metropolitan cities around the world,” says Angel Martinez, Goleta’s president and ceo, “and we’re committed to expanding this growing segment of our business.”
The 3500-square-foot store at the corner of Rush Street and Delaware Place was designed by Anthony Donnelly from Visual Works (Leicestershire, U.K.) and MBH Architects (San Francisco). The firm says the boutique “mirrors the brand’s philosophy of blending rich color, textures, natural materials, fashion and adventure . . . that blends natural elements with urban flair.
“The contrast of such design elements as slated walls, textured brick, exposed ceiling with organic shapes, wood floors, furry throw rugs and rich leather accents, helps creates the sense that you are entering a warm, comfortable urban jungle. The directional wood flooring and the use of circular open-floor layouts draws in the customer, while invoking a sense of exploration reminiscent of the Australian tradition and encourages a natural rotation into the store. The design, invokes a sense of comfort, as well as fashion and design, which reflects the UGG Australia company philosophy.”