Latest news with #ChrisWalsh
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Corner Store: Over 25 years where style and individuality intersect
People have known it as Base Clothing store, but the Wānaka retailer has changed its name to Corner Store. As it turns out, it is one of the longest-running clothing stores in town. Owner Chris Walsh got his first retail job when he was just 15, working across the Ditch in Newcastle, where he was brought up. That was where he got a taste of fashion and the fun that comes from working in the industry, he says. "There were these cool girls working with me and I was thinking 'Whoa, there's great girls, you can hang out with girls, this is perfect'," he jokes. He dreamed of coming to New Zealand to ski at Treble Cone. When he arrived, he fell in love with Wānaka and the rest is history. In 1999, he and two mates, Brent Harridge and Tim Hudson, brought into the Base clothing store business. At the time it cost them just $50,000 each for the lease in Helwick St. By comparison, sections in Meadowstone Dr at the time were going for about $30,000. "I came to New Zealand and realised there wasn't much in the way of clothing stores." There was little happening at the lakefront end of Helwick St and so they placed themselves on "Plods Patch" (the intersection of Helwick and Dunmore Sts), as it was affectionately named. He recalls PaperPlus was on the diagonal corner, where it still sits today. "More retail in upper Helwick St has helped. The pavements were no good at the start — it was just us and the pharmacy. You had to cross the road, [so] we were a bit of a destination." Over the course of a quarter of a century, he has seen the town change remarkably and plenty of retailers fail, or leave for other opportunities. "In Wānaka, a lot of shops come and go but there's still a lot of independent stores and we have a local vibe, which is pretty cool and special." While there were stores before his, and many have come since, the shops he recalls having done the long-haul are Kai Whakapai, the Dough Bin, PaperPlus, Racers Edge, Wānaka Pharmacy and the Westpac Bank. Mr Walsh puts down the longevity down to necessity and grit. After the 1999 Wānaka floods and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, he had to borrow money from his parents and sell property to stay on that corner. "My accountants were saying shut the business down." He stayed because he loved the work and "knew it would come right". It did. Once the GFC passed, Wānaka township started to grow at a slow and steady pace; in the past five years it has boomed. The property market and domestic buyers had helped. Tourism been a huge part of his shop's survival. "The quality of international tourism — we are getting more European and Americans and Canadians and they love shopping," he says. "Covid was frightening when it happened. We started our online store more heavily during Covid and then after Covid we had a really awesome couple of years. "I find New Zealanders are my best customers, followed by Aussies. New Zealanders were travelling around and supporting New Zealanders. The last couple of years have been a little tough because the economy has been a little tough on people's spending, mortgages and interest rates." When he looks back on 1999 when the shop first opened, the store was quite "modern" compared with most others, which set it apart. "The store was unique. It was way out there; everything was old and our store was new school and modern." Initial brands stocked were Lee, Huffer, Wrangler and Rusty, all of which carry through today. Mr Walsh says Wānaka is great for shopping because it has more than just chain stores. It is a shopping destination because of its unique independent stores. "In Wānaka, the clothing assortment is fantastic. There are so many good clothing stores. I think we are one of the best places to go shopping. We have more options than anywhere. You go anywhere else and they are all chain stores but here we are all different and independent." He adds that Wānaka people are fashionable. "I think Wānaka people are fit and healthy and they like to wear cool clothes that are comfortable. And the older crew dress younger. It's down to earth." While his prices are mid level, he has enjoyed seeing higher-end fashion come to Wānaka and bring something for everyone. The business trio also started women's clothing store, Bella, as well as the Base ski shop. They have since sold both and they are still in operating. And as for the name change, it's obvious, he says. "I dreamed up all these funky names. Corner Store suits all the ages — we have teens and older customers, we cater for all women and all ages and Corner Store seems to suit that, a place that caters for all."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Adidas makes return to Manchester with huge nod to Oasis
Huge boards have gone up on Market Street ahead of the reopening of the adidas store. The site in the city centre is due to open on Thursday, July 3. Teasing something special, the boards outside the shop are emblazoned with the opening date as well as a series of Oasis logos and nods to the imminent reunion tour, which kicks off next week in Cardiff before a run of dates in Manchester. It comes off the back of the brand's recently announced partnership with the Manchester band, the announcement of their new 'Original Forever' campaign, and exclusive Oasis collection. READ MORE: Heaton Park's neighbours left fuming at £25,000 ahead of Oasis gigs READ MORE: Owners of award-winning garden centre known for its lavish displays take 'difficult decision' to sell up Last Thursday, Adidas announced their new adidas Originals x Oasis Live '25 apparel collection with 26-piece range of timeless sportswear branded staples in various colours including tracksuits and T-shirts. Timeless adidas staples are available in store and online in various colours including Firebird tracksuits, raglan sleeve jerseys - iconically worn by Liam in a 90's charity football match - as well as bucket hats and coach jackets. Chris Walsh - VP Brand, adidas commented at the time of the launch: "adidas and Oasis share a story defined by originality and cultural impact, with roots that run deep and have long been entwined in the fabric of music and style. "This official partnership represents more than just two icons coming together; it reignites a timeless piece of cultural music history. 'Original Forever' continues to build on adidas' lasting legacy in music and celebrates the powerful role music and style play in shaping culture across generations,' It is thought the collection will be available at the Market Street store when it opens next week and to mark the launch, the store is hosting a party to celebrate on Thursday 3rd July, from 6:30 to 9pm with a waiting list set up on ticketing site Eventbrite. Other big Manchester music legends will be sound-tracking the event, including Mani from The Stone Roses, house music pioneer DJ Paulette, and local favourite DJ Polly. Those who manage to get a ticket will be able to enjoy food from Manchester sandwich heroes Badabing, and drinks courtesy of Track Brewing Company. A first-come-first-serve event, tickets have gone fast and only waiting list is now available. Those who have secured a ticket will also be able to pick up a limited adidas Originals goodie bags and take part in a raffle at the end of the night. Manchester adidas and Oasis fans were able to take a closer look at the new collaboration last week when they headed down to the new Oasis Live '25 fan store in Spinningfields. Opened last Friday, it is giving fans the chance to stock up on merch ahead of the gigs, bag memorabilia items and get into the spirit ahead of their five Heaton Park shows in just three weeks time. Located in the old Iberica site on the Avenue in Spinningfields - opposite The Oast House - the shop had been under wraps for several weeks, and features a range of official Live 25 merchandise, including exclusive brand collaborations and limited-edition apparel including an upstairs area dedicated to the adidas and Oasis collaboration range. In just over a week's time, Oasis will officially be back out on tour, hitting cities including Cardiff, Manchester and London as they head out on their Oasis Live '25 tour. It will represent the first time the Gallagher brothers have played live on stage in 16 years. The adidas Market Street store is located at 52-56 Market Street Manchester M1 1PW. The store reopens on Thursday, July 3, one day before the band kick off their world tour at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Liam and Noel Gallagher pictured together for first time since tour announced
The Britpop band, who split in 2009 prompted by a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival, confirmed their long-awaited reunion in August 2024. They have since been photographed together to launch a new partnership with Adidas ahead of their Oasis Live '25 world tour. The Manchester-born musicians rose to fame after the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994, with their hits songs including Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Supersonic. While in the group, they became known for their recognisable sportswear style which consisted of tracksuits, sleeve jerseys, bucket hats and coach jackets. The pair are now the faces behind the Original Forever film campaign, which is soundtracked by their hit song Live Forever, and includes an accompanying Adidas Originals x Oasis Live '25 apparel collection. Chris Walsh, Adidas brand vice president, said: "Adidas and Oasis share a story defined by originality and cultural impact, with roots that run deep and have long been entwined in the fabric of music and style. "This official partnership represents more than just two icons coming together - it reignites a timeless piece of cultural music history. "Original Forever continues to build on Adidas' lasting legacy in music and celebrates the powerful role music and style play in shaping culture across generations." The brothers had been known to get into arguments over the years, but things reached breaking point at a French festival when Liam began swinging around a guitar. Noel quit the rock group on August 28 2009, saying he "simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer". The highly anticipated reunion tour announcement was followed with some ticketing backlash after fans in the UK and Ireland saw some prices more than double, from £148 to £355, which was blamed on "unprecedented demand". The outrage and controversy prompted the Government and the UK's competition watchdog to pledge they would look at the use of dynamic pricing. Oasis are due to kickstart their world tour in July with performances in Cardiff followed by Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin. The group will continue on with concerts scheduled around the world including Canada, the US, Mexico, Australia and Japan.
Hypebeast
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Tracksuits, Bucket Hats and Coach Jackets: Oasis and adidas Debut New Collaboration
Summary adidasandOasisare celebrating 30 years of shared history with the 'Original Forever' campaign and'Oasis Live '25'apparel. The collection presents classic '90s looks reimagined for the modern day. This includes the quintessentially British tracksuit and trainers, which have become synonymous with the band. Joining the capsule are co-branded timeless adidas staples in options of either black, blue or white. Favorite pieces from the Gallagher brothers include Firebird tracksuits, raglen sleeve jerseys, bucket hats and coach jackets. 'adidas and Oasis share a story defined by originality and cultural impact, with roots that run deep and have long been entwined in the fabric of music and style. This official partnership represents more than just two icons coming together; it reignites a timeless piece of cultural music history. 'Original Forever' continues to build on adidas' lasting legacy in music and celebrates the powerful role music and style play in shaping culture across generations,' Chris Walsh, VP Brand, adidas said in a statement. Check out the collaboration above. The Oasis Live '25 x adidas collection is available via retail stores, theadidas webstore, theOasis webstoreand at stadiums during the Oasis Live '25 tour dates.
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Liam and Noel Gallagher pictured together for first time since tour announced
The Britpop band, who split in 2009 prompted by a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival, confirmed their long-awaited reunion in August 2024. They have since been photographed together to launch a new partnership with Adidas ahead of their Oasis Live '25 world tour. A post shared by adidas UK (@adidasuk) The Manchester-born musicians rose to fame after the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe in 1994, with their hits songs including Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Supersonic. While in the group, they became known for their recognisable sportswear style which consisted of tracksuits, sleeve jerseys, bucket hats and coach jackets. The pair are now the faces behind the Original Forever film campaign, which is soundtracked by their hit song Live Forever, and includes an accompanying Adidas Originals x Oasis Live '25 apparel collection. Chris Walsh, Adidas brand vice president, said: 'Adidas and Oasis share a story defined by originality and cultural impact, with roots that run deep and have long been entwined in the fabric of music and style. 'This official partnership represents more than just two icons coming together – it reignites a timeless piece of cultural music history. A post shared by adidas UK (@adidasuk) 'Original Forever continues to build on Adidas' lasting legacy in music and celebrates the powerful role music and style play in shaping culture across generations.' The brothers had been known to get into arguments over the years, but things reached breaking point at a French festival when Liam began swinging around a guitar. Noel quit the rock group on August 28 2009, saying he 'simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer'. The highly anticipated reunion tour announcement was followed with some ticketing backlash after fans in the UK and Ireland saw some prices more than double, from £148 to £355, which was blamed on 'unprecedented demand'. The outrage and controversy prompted the Government and the UK's competition watchdog to pledge they would look at the use of dynamic pricing. Oasis are due to kickstart their world tour in July with performances in Cardiff followed by Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin. The group will continue on with concerts scheduled around the world including Canada, the US, Mexico, Australia and Japan.
