Store Design That Offers an Experience Akin to the Ginza Flagship

The Cole Haan LaLaport TOKYO-BAY store marks the company's first foray into a shopping center in Japan. The store will feature a curated selection of items, including men's and women's collections, and will be the first to launch a kids' collection ahead of other locations. Through this friendly and stylish shopping center environment, Cole Haan appears poised to embark on new initiatives.

Gregory C. Dinges (hereinafter, Dinges)Last June, Cole Haan opened its lifestyle-concept flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo, before any other country. We are very proud of that. We believe the store design is beautiful and effectively expresses the brand's concept.

The Cole Haan LaLaport TOKYO-BAY store is designed as a miniature version of the Ginza flagship, with both the exterior facade and interior mirroring the original. We believe you will feel the same sense of comfort here as you do at the Ginza flagship. The facade is composed of indigo blue tiles produced in Japan, and our new stores opening worldwide are also being built using these tiles sourced from Japan.

—Are the customer demographics different between the Ginza flagship and LaLaport TOKYO-BAY?

New Value Born from the "Clash" of Tradition and Innovation

New Value Born from the "Clash" of Tradition and Innovation

—Could you tell us again about the appeal of Zerogrand, which you just mentioned?

J. Michael Prince (hereinafter, Prince)We consider Zerogrand to be the most important series in defining the new Cole Haan. Its most significant feature is its lightness. In fact, it is astonishingly light. And the sole is highly functional. It is so flexible that it bends completely, and it incorporates advanced cushioning technology, making it exceptionally comfortable to walk in.

DingesThey can be worn with suits, and also coordinated with jeans. Whether you're spending a relaxed weekend with friends or attending an important weekday meeting, you can wear them in front of your boss or during business entertainment. They are truly shoes that can be worn in any situation.


—So, while maintaining the design of traditional Oxford shoes, they possess the comfort of modern sneakers?

PrinceExactly. Furthermore, we offer items in the same design but using different materials. This allows you to choose based on your personal style, from sporty looks to more dressy options.

DingesAnother characteristic is that they are unisex products. The Zerogrand series launched men's shoes in July last year. Seeing this, women started asking, 'Don't you have shoes for us?' and so we launched women's items in the fall. These women's shoes are now receiving a lot of attention, and stores worldwide are selling out.

—Could you tell us about your philosophy on fashion?

PrinceWhen I choose clothes or go shopping, I first look around at people in the same industry. I also draw inspiration from the fashion of athletes and celebrities. However, ultimately, the most important thing is that I feel comfortable wearing it myself.



—It's the combination of style, comfort, and the smart stance created through innovation that forms Cole Haan's identity, isn't it?

DingesPrecisely. It's the "clash" between traditional and modern elements. It's not a "fusion." We create entirely new value by colliding opposing elements, such as sporty and fashionable aspects. That is our approach.

No matter how functional, if it lacks fashion appeal, it's meaningless. Conversely, just being cool isn't enough either. If it doesn't satisfy the customer in both aspects, it's not Cole Haan.

—The perforations on the "Zerogrand Wing Oxford," for example, incorporate traditional details, which is part of the "clash," isn't it?

DingesYes, that's right. That is the traditional element. And the sole represents modernity. This item is the most high-tech Oxford shoe in the world.

What is the New Cole Haan Aiming For?

And what is the new Cole Haan aiming for?

PrinceWe will evolve Zerogrand into a lifestyle collection. Specifically, we plan to launch outerwear, eyewear, bags, and socks this fall.

—Will the "clash" of Zerogrand be incorporated across these items?

PrinceYes. They will be lightweight, functional, and flexible products.



—Cole Haan's approach is unlike other lifestyle brands, isn't it? It's hard to immediately think of specific competitors.

DingesIn that sense, I believe we are taking a leadership position. Another aspect is that releasing all items for both men and women could also be considered a unique form, don't you think?

—I see, that's interesting. By the way, Cole Haan is a well-known, long-established American shoe brand. Why is the brand aiming to grow into a lifestyle brand?

PrinceIndeed, Cole Haan already has high brand recognition, and many customers have been loyal for a long time. We want to consistently share our passion for craftsmanship with these loyal customers. We want them to feel that through items other than shoes, such as outerwear, handbags, and eyewear, and ultimately, we want their children to use the Cole Haan brand as well. These aspirations are what drive us to become a lifestyle brand.

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Beyond shoes, Cole Haan continues to create various products that incorporate innovation into craftsmanship and timeless style, and in that sense, it can already be described as having grown into a lifestyle brand. However, the new Cole Haan's pursuit of balancing style and comfort is gaining significant momentum through the "clash" of Zerogrand. This concept will resonate not only with fashion enthusiasts but with a broader audience. And when the Zerogrand line expands to multiple product categories, it will undoubtedly send another shockwave through the fashion world.

Cole Haan LaLaport TOKYO-BAY
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Address: 1F, North Building, 2-1-1 Hamacho, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel. 047-421-7377

Cole Haan Customer Service
0120-56-0979
http://www.colehaan.co.jp