The North Face opened its first Italian urban flagship retail store at Via Delle Convertite 22/23 in the heart of historic Rome. The opening marks the Company’s twelfth retail store in Europe and its first urban location in Italy. The North Face also has a resort format store in Livigno, Italy.

Opened in partnership with A.R.P spa, the 250-square-meter store is located close to Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping thoroughfare, situated in the political center, close to Piazza di Spagna. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and shoppers alike, the store will offer customers the complete selection of The North Face’s outdoor apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories.

“With its mix of history, technological innovation and global appeal, it seems only natural to have a The North Face store in Rome” said Topher Gaylord, President Outdoor International, which comprises The North Face and JanSport brands. “This superb location presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase the North Face brand and offers our Italian consumers a comprehensive assortment of outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear in a spectacular setting” Gaylord added.

The North Face Rome store marks the 12th collaboration with the Vicenza-based design firm Brombini & Saccardo, which redesigned the location to express The North Face philosophy, Never Stop Exploring.

Said Retail Director Francesco Navach “We wanted visitors to connect instantly to the overall theme of the store, to feel comfortable and to be inspired. The project challenge was to give the existing space a highly visible and energized mood.”

Using the latest in retail technology, The North Face store is designed to be both sophisticated and inviting. Special blasted stainless steel, recessed light systems, interior translucent acrylic panels and maple floors were used to create a luminous environment. Two wide windows, four meters high, provide light and openness; an enormous staircase provides visual impact. On the ground floor visitors will find clothing and performance footwear for virtually any outdoor activity. On the first floor, dedicated to equipment such as backpacks, sleeping bags and tents, shoppers will find a social space featuring books, maps and magazines specific to outdoor pursuits. A pedestrian bridge creates a visual link to the floor below.

Throughout the store, photography and large flat-screen video exhibits will showcase athletes from around the world, the “Face” of the brand, including Italian members of The North Face Team such as world-class mountain climber Simone Moro and freeride snowboarder Emilio Previtali.