Here is the new sign that will replace Maison Optical in Saint-Raphaël

The Sneakers Specialist network, affiliated with Sport 2000, will open its first store in the twin towns of the Eastern Var region at the end of August. Soon to be established in a location at 1 Avenue Victor-Hugo in Saint-Raphaël (where major development work is currently underway), this new boutique will complement the brand's locations in Grasse, Menton, and Grenoble.

The Raphaël branch will offer a wide selection of sneakers (sports shoes) and fashion shoes.

Designed as a modern space dedicated to sneaker culture and sportswear trends, the store will mark a new stage in the brand's development.

With a revisited concept and a strategic location in the heart of the city, Sneakers Specialist (also nicknamed S2) aims to attract both local and tourist customers.

"French chic" concept

The choice of location is no accident. "It's a main street with a very good location. Here, we're sure to have traffic," explains Guillaume Kochkanian, the store's owner.

This opening also marks an evolution in the design of S2 Sneakers stores .

"I will be the first S2 store with the new concept. Until now, the others had a street atmosphere, a bit like Foot Locker. We wanted something elegant, ' French chic', with parquet, wood, terrazzo," explains Guillaume Kochkanian.

Sneakers Specialist's positioning is not limited to sneakers alone.

"We're not just going to be doing sneakers. We'll also be offering fashion shoes: Birkenstock, Palladium, No Name, Off... Still with a sportswear feel, but with more varied trends."

The must-have brands will remain present: Adidas, New Balance, Lacoste, Puma and many others will be part of the selection.

Great deals from the opening

To accompany its opening, the brand is planning a special back-to-school offer, with "a selection of products up to 30% off," according to Guillaume Kochkanian. The team is also considering events centered around sneakers and urban culture in the medium term.

For the municipality, this opening is a positive signal for the commercial dynamism of the city center. Stéphane Iseppi, deputy for commerce, is delighted with this arrival: "It is always a satisfaction to see specialist shops returning to the city center, while many disappear in the face of e-commerce and commercial zones. We have few premises available and are working with commercial real estate specialists , adds the elected official. We are regularly approached by project leaders, but the supply of premises is limited. Each new establishment is good news."