The utility bag and clothing market is rapidly expanding with the major players now staking claims in the world’s major cycling cities. Mission Workshop and Chrome have both announced recently that each will have new flagship stores in some major locales.
Mission, is jumping across the pond and starting a collaboration with their friends 14 Bike Co. This new store is in addition to their original San Francisco store. The London store offers a rebirth of 14 Bike Co.’s original East London Store and will offer more than just bikes and bags. While the store will carry the full line of Mission Workshop and obviously bikes and parts from 14 Bike Co., it will offer a sit-and-fit lounge where customers can be fit for their own custom bikes made for them by 14 Bike Co. The shop will also serve as a warehouse and distribution center for Europe’s Mission Workshop resellers, offering much more simple, duty free delivery of product.
Chrome on the other hand, while also starting it’s second store away from San Francisco is choosing to set up on this side of the Atlantic. Opening at 238 Mulberry Street, the store will of course carry the full line of Chrome Bags, shoes, and clothing.
While the Mission Workshop Grand Opening party has passed us by, there is still time to make it to the Chrome Party if you happen to be in NYC on August 28 from 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Check out the full press release from both factions after the break.
From Chrome:
Chrome, the world’s leading manufacturer of bike messenger bags,
has just opened its first New York City flagship store, featuring the
complete range of Chrome messenger bags, footwear and accessories for
urban cyclists. This is the company’s second retail location, having a
flagship store in San Francisco as well. Located at 238 Mulberry Street,
the store recreates the experience of being in the company’s factory in
Northern California with live sewing and an industrial ceiling conveyor
belt.
“We are really excited to bring a piece of the Chrome production line
to New York City,†says Chrome President, Bayard Winthrop. “Chrome has
an extensive history of making durable bags for working messengers
throughout the city and we’re looking forward to bringing a piece of our
manufacturing heritage to our customers on the East Coast.”
Interactivity will be encouraged at the store, and customers will be
able to create their own custom color combinations for messenger bags.
In addition, Cycle Hawk Messenger Delivery will provide same-day
messenger service for online orders within Manhattan.
A Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, August 28 from 12:00
p.m.-8:00 p.m. for the general public will feature free food delivered
around the neighborhood by roller derby legends The Gotham Girls, DJ
Sean S.K.E. spinning records and limited edition Shadi T-shirts with the
first 100 purchases.
From Mission Workshop:
San Francisco, CA – August 12, 2010 – Mission Workshop, a San Francisco based company that creates bags, clothing, and shoes for urban cyclists and world travelers alike has opened their new European base of operations in collaboration with London’s hand made bike builders, 14 Bike Co. The newly forged space is a rebirth of 14 Bike Co’s original East London retail space located in the Old Truman Brewery. The new space will carry the complete Mission Workshop product line and the full range of 14 Bike Co’s bikes and apparel. The space will also feature a “sit-and-fit†lounge where customers can be fitted for their own hand made and custom built bikes by 14 Bike Co.
In addition to retail, the new home base will act as a warehouse and distribution hub for Mission Workshop resellers in London and across Europe. This will provide simple, inexpensive, and duty free delivery of product to resellers within the EU.
The team behind Mission Workshop includes the founders of the renowned urban cycling brand Chrome. Utilizing the design experience gained over the last 15 years, Mission Workshop has crafted a line of aesthetically clean, and functionally utilitarian, urban riding gear. With a focus on detail and a commitment to simply making the best products possible. Mission Workshop’s eye for detail and commitment to quality is evident in every seam and stitch.
According to Director, Bart Kyzar, “We felt the time was right to set up shop in London. Over the last 15 years we have been fortunate to be part of a larger network of cycling enthusiasts from around the world. London is known for having a thriving bike community with passionate riders, we love being part of the scene, it was a natural transition for us, and it felt right.â€
To better serve our consumer base across Europe, Mission Workshop has also launched a European website with order fulfillment located in Amsterdam and London. Mission Workshop now offers duty free, flat rate shipping on all web orders within the EU.
