Salomon, the iconic French sportswear brand renowned for its high-performance outdoor gear, has just opened its first-ever standalone store in Brooklyn, New York. This move isn’t just another retail launch—it’s a strategic leap that speaks volumes about the evolving relationship between the outdoor industry and urban fashion culture.
Let’s break down why this matters, what’s flying under the radar, and how Salomon’s presence could reshape the city’s fashion landscape.
Why This Matters
- Outdoor Brands Are Now Urban Lifestyle Essentials: Over the last decade, brands like Salomon, The North Face, and Arc’teryx have transcended their original niches. No longer just for hikers or trail runners, their gear is coveted by sneakerheads, stylists, and streetwear aficionados.
- Brooklyn Is a Trend Epicenter: By choosing Brooklyn for its first US store, Salomon is betting on the borough’s reputation as a global tastemaker—where trends are born before spreading to the rest of the world.
- The Rise of “Gorpcore”: Salomon is a darling of the “gorpcore” movement, where technical outdoor apparel becomes high fashion. This store is both a response to and a catalyst for that trend.
What Most People Miss
- It’s About Community, Not Just Commerce: Expect the Brooklyn store to double as a hub for local run clubs, art events, and sustainability workshops. Salomon’s strategy is to embed itself in the neighborhood’s lifestyle, not just sell shoes.
- The US Market Is Ripe for Disruption: While Salomon has enjoyed cult status in Europe and Asia, its physical retail footprint in the US was almost nonexistent. This store could be the test case for a broader American expansion.
- Sustainability Will Be Front and Center: Salomon has been investing heavily in eco-friendly materials and recycling initiatives. Expect this store to showcase those efforts—an increasingly important factor for NYC shoppers.
Key Takeaways
- Salomon’s Brooklyn store is a signal flare for the mainstreaming of technical, outdoor-inspired fashion in urban America.
- The brand is positioning itself as both a style leader and community builder.
- This move could spark more high-profile openings from other outdoor brands seeking to capture the city’s fashion-forward crowd.
Industry Context & Comparisons
- Arc’teryx opened its own immersive flagship in Manhattan last year, and The North Face recently collaborated with Supreme—proof that the outdoor/urban crossover is red-hot.
- According to Statista, the US outdoor apparel market is projected to hit $20.5 billion by 2025, driven by younger consumers who demand both function and fashion.
- Salomon’s footwear collaborations with designers like MM6 Maison Margiela have further blurred the lines between trail and runway.
Pros & Cons Analysis
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Builds direct customer relationships | Retail rent in Brooklyn is high |
| Enhances brand credibility with trendsetters | Competition with established sneaker stores |
| Opportunity for community-driven events | Risk if outdoor trend fades |
Timeline: Salomon in the US
- Early 2000s: Known mainly among hardcore skiers and trail runners
- 2010s: Sneaker culture begins to embrace Salomon’s silhouettes
- 2020: Gorpcore trend explodes during the pandemic
- 2024: First flagship retail store opens in Brooklyn
Expert Commentary
“This isn’t just a shoe store, it’s a statement: technical gear is now part of the city’s creative fabric. Brooklyn is the perfect launchpad.” — NYC-based fashion consultant
The Bottom Line
Salomon’s Brooklyn debut is more than a retail milestone—it’s a cultural moment. If you want to see where outdoor fashion goes next, start here. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a streetwear lover, or an actual trail runner, this store signals that the boundaries between outdoor gear and city style are officially gone.