Swedish fashion brand Axel Arigato has made a grand debut in the U.S. by opening its highly anticipated first flagship store in New York City’s SoHo district. Located at 273 Lafayette Street, the spacious new store boasts approximately 1,130 square feet of retail space. The exterior seamlessly blends with SoHo’s classic architecture, marking a new chapter for the brand.
Founded 2014 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Axel Arigato is a “people-powered” brand grounded in an inclusive vision, refined aesthetics, and a dedication to craftsmanship and culture. The name “Axel Arigato” reflects the brand’s gratitude for its Swedish roots, characterized by minimalism and open-mindedness, as well as a Japanese-inspired pursuit of perfection in even the smallest details.
The brand’s products, centered around footwear, showcase a refined aesthetic and ease of wear, offering a range of elevated classics. This combination has earned Axel Arigato continued support from a large fan base. As the brand marks its 10th anniversary this year, it is embarking on a new journey toward further global growth by expanding into the U.S. market.
Albin Johansson, CEO and co-founder of Axel Arigato commented, “Axel Arigato NYC signals our continued drive and ambition for global growth in our tenth year of business. The USA is a hugely important market for us and has long had a loyal customer base. We’re so excited to finally welcome them into a physical space, showing them the full breadth of our brand.”
The new store reflects the Scandinavian minimalism that is at the core of Axel Arigato’s identity. Designed in collaboration with architectural studio Halleroed, it features a mix of natural stone, industrial metal fixtures, and bold materials. European travertine stone monolithic podiums are used to display products while floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to illuminate the space. A gridded spotlight system and integrated speakers further enhance the functional yet sleek design.
Inside, visitors will find popular sneaker models such as the Dice, Area, and Clean 90, along with a curated selection of Ready-to-Wear pieces. The store will also feature a New York-exclusive capsule collection, including black t-shirts, caps, grinders, and rolling trays, all branded with “Arigato NYC.”
Moreover, the store is set to go beyond traditional retail by serving as a cultural hub, hosting events and collaborations focused on music, art, and design. Beginning in September, the space will offer a variety of exclusive events, including music performances, art exhibitions, and workshops.
Jens Werner, creative director of Axel Arigato, added, “New York means so much to so many people. To finally have a space where we can bring all these people together is so exciting – and it is our ambition to nurture, explore and collaborate with long-standing and new friends.”