ASB MAGAZINE: Patagonia has opened a new store in the heart of Melbourne. A hub for sports and environmental communities in the area, Patagonia Melbourne aims to express the city’s vibrant and enduring legacy of activism. Located on Little Collins Street, between bustling Elizabeth and Swanston Streets, the store heroes the photography that has immortalised civil action – from 60s anti-nuclear protests to blockades against logging in East Gippsland in the mid-80s, and the recent School Strike 4 Climate.
The façade and lofty ground-level interiors of Carson House have been carefully restored. This heritage building, completed in 1884, has been fitted out with recycled materials, including disused boating-yard lumber, and furniture upholstered in Patagonia’s organic fabrics.
“Our new store in Melbourne is a significant milestone for Patagonia’s development in the Australian market. We’ve engaged with the people of Melbourne over many years through our strong wholesale network and web business, and environmental work. It’s fantastic to now open our newest flagship store and showcase our brand and products, as well as dedicate more time and energy to supporting the city’s local, grassroots activism,” said Dane O’Shanassy, Country Director, Patagonia Australia & New Zealand.
From crafting tools for climbers in California in the 1960s, Patagonia has become a global leader in outdoor clothing, while setting an example of how businesses can operate responsibly and support their communities. ‘We’re in business to save our home planet’ is the company’s mission, and this drive to preserve the planet’s ecosystems runs through the entire operation, from the products made and materials used to donations to grassroots environmental groups through its 1% for the Planet commitment.
High-performance apparel and equipment made from 100% recycled materials hangs alongside traceable down jackets and organic cotton tees. Patagonia Provisions, the company’s regenerative organic food business, is displayed with a library of Patagonia Books, including founder Yvon Chouinard’s staff-handbook-turned-best-seller Let My People Go Surfing.
The versatile space is also designed to welcome lovers of the outdoors in for gatherings, film screenings, and talks. A summer program of events will be released on Facebook.
Patagonia Melbourne 289 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 and is open from 10am to 6pm daily, and until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
About Patagonia
We’re in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. A Certified B Corporation, the company is recognised internationally for its commitment to product quality, environmental activism, and its contributions of more than US$100 million in grants and in-kind donations to date. Patagonia began operating in Australia and New Zealand in 2009. There are currently eight stores and more than 360 stockists across the region.
