Swedish footwear brand Axel Arigato has made its debut in the United States (US) by opening its flagship store in New York City's SoHo district. The new 1,130-square-foot space at 273 Lafayette Street marks a significant milestone in the brand's global expansion as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Co-founder and CEO Albin Johansson highlighted the importance of this opening and expressed his excitement to bring the brand's physical presence to its loyal US customer base. With a dedicated retail space, the brand can showcase its full range of products and foster closer connections with the local community.

Designed in collaboration with Halleroed, the architectural studio behind many of Axel Arigato’s European locations, the New York store stays true to the brand's Scandinavian minimalist roots. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the store aims to be more than just a retail space. According to Johansson, the store will serve as a cultural hub, hosting events, activations and collaborations that bring together the worlds of music, art and design.

Johansson emphasised that the New York store is not just a one-time event, but the start of a long-term investment in the American market. While the brand has ambitious growth plans, Johansson clarified that Axel Arigato is focused on establishing a solid presence in New York before expanding to other US cities.

While the physical store is a crucial part of Axel Arigato’s strategy, the brand also plans to strengthen its relationships with wholesale partners in the US. As the company continues its retail expansion, these partnerships will be vital in building brand awareness and reaching new customers nationwide.

This new chapter in Axel Arigato’s journey comes during an eventful year for the brand. In addition to the New York opening, the company recently launched a second store in London. The brand has also undergone a change in leadership, with Jens Werner stepping into the role of creative director, succeeding co-founder Max Svärdh, who remains on the company’s board.