Vancouver's Native Shoes is opening its first ever retail store

Vancouver-based company Native Shoes is opening its first ever retail location, with a new store opening in Gastown in December.

Native Shoes was founded in 2009, and has since been awarded PETA Approved Vegan certification for its animal-free footwear.

However, until now, Native Shoes has sold only online, reaching 30 countries around the world, but with no sales location in its hometown.

According to a release, the new concept store will be located at 14 Water Street, and aims to be a “high end, minimalistic yet sustainable space.”

The store will feature West Coast natural wood for fixtures and a monolithic moss wall sourced from around Vancouver.

Also in store will be a large-scale “gumball machine” shoe installation and a community space to host pop ups with “like-minded” artists and brands.

“We’re extremely proud to open our first retail location in our hometown Vancouver,” said Kyle Housman, President at Native Shoes, in the release.

“This new space will be a creative hub where design, fashion and community intersect.”