AFTER YEARS OF resorting to online shopping for all of our retail needs, we’ve grown tired of trading off experience for convenience. Post-pandemic, we’re turning back to shopping the ‘old-fashioned’ way, with bricks-and-mortar stores seeing a resurgence in popularity — especially when it comes to fashion — and brands are responding in kind by making in-store retail experiences more appealing than ever. The most recent to do so? New Balance, who have just opened the doors to their newest Grey Store at Sydney’s Galeries.

The luxe location is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with 20 others globally. The Grey Store focuses on curating an exclusive selection of the brand’s footwear and apparel — like the covetable MADE in USA and MADE in UK collections, which will be available to shop in person.

The Galeries Grey Store will also be the ultimate destination for shopping all of New Balance’s newest collaborations and merchandise drops, with 80 per cent of all product available being completely exclusive to the store.

Inside, while they explore, shoppers will be immersed in the calm minimalism of the store. The shades of grey are met with warm wooden textures, allowing the meticulous details of the exclusive, cult favourite pieces available to be the heroes of the space.

“The Galeries Grey Store has been designed to provide a high end, luxe retail experience in the heart of Sydney and we can’t wait to see the reception from our loyal fans, sneaker enthusiasts and fashion lovers,” said Jonathan Clarke, the Asia Pacific DTC Director for New Balance.

He also teased some of the highly coveted sneakers that will be stocked in the Grey Store: “As an Australian first, the Galeries Grey store will have all the classic New Balance favourites including the 550’s, 9060’s and 2002’s — as well as some of our newer products, like the futuristic WRPD shoe.”

Discover The Galeries Grey Store at Ground Level, Shop 5, 500 George Street, Sydney 2000. For more information, visit New Balance’s website.