Australian-born apparel brand MAAP has unveiled its inaugural concept store, MAAP LaB in Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia.
According to the company, MAAP LaB, with LaB being an acronym for ‘Life Around Bikes’, will be an intersection of contemporary creative culture and cycling… ‘Great coffee, local brews, shared stories, community events and group rides will underpin the LaB experience as an inclusive space for experienced cyclists while also welcoming the next generation of riders.’
‘Collingwood’s LaB will serve as an aspirational destination, inviting anyone from the local Melburnian, Aussie out-of-towner or fleeting international traveller to experience everything that circles ‘the ride’.’
MAAP LaB will also attend to the culturally curious through ‘The MAAP Edit’. This is a series of specialist product capsules touching on everything from grooming and fragrance to photography, music and art installations. The first Edit includes a vinyl player from neighbourhood friends Sound Merch, skincare for pre and post riding needs from Aesop, publications by Perimeter Books and accessories from Havn.
Those looking for a little inspiration to ride, especially during the southern hemisphere’s colder winter months, can check out the MAAP LaB events calendar. There is a mid-week MAAPacino group ride each Thursday morning suitable for most athletic abilities… and coffee preferences.
Womxn, hosted by women for women, and Maap Mix Up’s deliver longer distance options, varied routes and new off-bike experiences on weekends.
Designed by Clare Cousins Architects, the retail space aims to strikes a balance between machined precision and a material rawness synonymous with the brand’s design aesthetic. The contemporary approach to architecture and interiors will aim to act as an inspiring environment for anyone who enters the space.
“Occupying a new development in the ex-industrial end of Collingwood, the flagship store wilfully expresses the raw characteristics of the building’s concrete and blockwork shell,” said Clare Cousins, CAA.
“Spatially, the store’s operations are defined by a robust yet highly finished steel perimeter. Further populated by a series of objects and insertions, in collaboration with Melbourne based partners Grazia & Co and Jardan. The assemblage conveys the atmosphere of a meticulous workshop — a place in which design, performance, and cycling converge to form community
Oliver Cousins, MAAP Co-Founder, said “The space had to be really experiential and immersive. We see a lot of buzz and conversation going down with our online community, and we can’t wait to bring people together to meaningfully connect in a physical space.
“As a vibrant alt-cultural hub in its own right, Collingwood is the perfect neighbourhood to realise that vision. Our MAAP crew can’t wait to welcome everyone into the store and share our passion for cycling over a coffee or beer.”
Jarrad Smith, MAAP Co-Founder, added “At MAAP, we’re obsessed with serving our riders, and now through the launch of MAAP LaB, serving our great city of Melbourne by contributing to the world-class culture that envelops us.
“We firmly believe MAAP belongs to us all. Melbourne LaB will be a space for anyone to meet and share their love of sport, fashion, art and of course, the gear. This will be a welcoming space for all whatever stage they are in with their cycling journey. Our expert crew will be only too happy to chat through the latest kit and the curated events we’ll have coming up in-store.”
Matt White, MAAP’s VP of Marketing, said “We’re homegrown Melburnians, and we embody the city through and through. After all the rides, both figurative and real, along the MAAP journey, it feels like a full-circle moment to be opening a new flagship store in our hometown.”
Address: MAAP LaB, 33 Wellington St, Collingwood 3066
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 AEST Monday to Saturday, 09:00-16:00 on Sunday
