Lifestyle footwear and apparel brand Converse has opened its largest flagship store in India at Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru in partnership with Bhaane Group, marking the debut of its global customisation platform, Converse By You (CBY), in the country.
Located on the ground floor of the mall, the new store has been designed as a retail and cultural space that brings together elements of skateboarding, art, music, design and youth culture. The launch reflects the brand’s focus on creating immersive consumer experiences beyond traditional retail formats.
A key feature of the flagship store is Play for Peace, an interactive skateboard installation created by artist Ansh Kumar. The installation comprises a tower of stacked skateboards fitted with LED lights that respond to movement and participation. It also includes a hand-bent steel sculpture featuring a pinwheel mechanism that triggers light sequences spelling out the words “PLAY” and “PEACE” in Morse code.
Delhi- and Rishikesh-based artist Ansh Kumar is known for creating interactive artworks across sculpture, ceramics, sound and light installations. His work has been exhibited at events including Miami Art Week, Ars Electronica and India Art Fair.
The store also features a large-scale mural by Bengaluru-based artist Benson Diengdoh. The artwork incorporates local landmarks such as Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace and UB City, alongside references to basketball, skateboarding and street culture.
At the centre of the store’s offering is Converse By You, a customisation platform that allows consumers to personalise Converse footwear using curated design elements, patches and artwork. The service is being introduced in India for the first time through the Bengaluru flagship.
The store stocks the brand’s core footwear lines, including the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 collections, along with newer product ranges.
Founded more than 115 years ago, Converse is part of Nike, Inc. and operates as a global lifestyle brand spanning footwear, apparel and accessories.
