#EDITORS_NOTE: @PUMASouthAfrica Launches #PUMASelectCT on Bree Street

I’m an avid fan of PUMA and it’s always so delightful to receive an invitation to one of their shing-dings. This last one was by far no disappoint, albeit some elements got under my skin (which we’ll get to a little later), the event itself and what was being launched was, and still is, fabulous.

Wednesday, 5 March, PUMA launched their first-ever PUMA Select Pop Up Store in South Africa. On the night, it was deemed a first for the world, but some how, post-event releases sound as though it’s only this big for SA. With a group selection of amazing people from industry, social standings and general uber kool kids, @PUMASouthAfrica launched an intimate space to house some of their most sought-after goodies. Goodies which are made up predominantly of product collaborations with top overseas designers and influencers.

My only concerns were the commissioning of British agencies to manage the store design, done by 3D industrial designer Ben Wilson from Wilson Brothers and Adam Brinkworth, of architectural design agency Brinkworth. This for me was a major bummer because we’re living through World Design Capital 2014 yet a local designer was not commissioned to kit-out the space in further representation and acknowledgement of our times. But I guess it’s not too bad since they did get local manufacturer Designamite to assist with the store’s construction.

Don’t get my above opinion wrong in anyway, the space is cool; featuring a simple yet effective ‘peg’ system which allows PUMA’s visual merchandiser to chop and change the displaying of the products as and when needed – really moulding the general appearance of the environment around the products in-sore.

There were bite-sized canapés and a select range of craft beers, ciders, and juices flowing throughout the evening. Probably my best highlight for the evening, apart from the amazing socializing experienced with all the kool kids at the event, was getting to hear @LeechiOfficial live behind the decks. He had @Sandi_N and I bopping, twisting, shoulder popping all night. But anyway, the point of this post if to encourage you to check out the new space.

PUMA Select Pop Up Store, 137 Bree Street. Get there any Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm, otherwise on Saturday between 9am – 2pm. You get free Wi-Fi and a cold beer when you make a purchase at the store. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.

Now, I wonder if PUMA will fly me over for the Joburg opening in Braamies later this year… I’m already jealous at how much more awesome that store and launch will be.

#PUMASelectCT to stay in the conversation