Japan's ASICS Selects Fashion Island for First West Coast Shop

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Look out DTLA and The Grove, it looks like Fashion Island is the new place to be. We've just received word that ultra-cool Japanese athletic footwear and equipment company, ASICS, is set to unveil its first West Coast standalone store at the open-air Newport Beach shopping center this month. Neighbors will include celebrity haunts like C. Wonder, Joie, Seafolly and soon, a massive Kitson.

Only ASICS' second location in the country (they opened a New York flagship back in 2009), the 2,228-square-foot shop will be situated next door to 7 For All Mankind near Fashion Island's Iris Fountain. Real estate firm RKF exclusively tells us that they're readying to welcome customers in October.

"ASICS looked at locations all over Southern California, and Orange County was a highly desired market for the brand," Robert Cohen, President of RKF in LA, reveals to Racked. "Newport Beach hugs the coast and the residents are affluent but also extremely active. It also happens to be close to their corporate headquarters. The goal is to expand ASICS' retail presence across the country and offer customers the full range of products in one location, which wasn't possible until now."

Get familiar with the brand here (we're fans of these shorts and this tank) and stay tuned for the official opening date.
· ASICS [Official Site]
· C. Wonder is Planting its First West Coast Store at Fashion Island [Racked]
· Kitson to Open Massive Shops at Beverly Center, Fashion Island [Racked]