A premium, performance-driven active lifestyle brand co-founded by actor/entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg and businessman Harry Arnett has big plans for brick-and-mortar.
Municipal, which launched online in 2020, has unveiled its first permanent retail location, on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, California. The brand previously opened temporary pop-up shops in Boston and New York City.
With its first store now open, Municipal is thinking big. It will open a flagship in Carlsbad, California, in September. The 6,000sq ft format will feature a coffee shop (in partnership with Urth Caffe), a barber shop and a lounge area where people can relax or even do some work.
During the next few years, the company plan to roll out several additional flagships in key markets across the country such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Atlanta, Boston and New York. Brand Co-Founder and CEO Harry Arnett told Chain Store Age that Municipal also plans to expand its smaller pro-shop concept.
“We have big expansion plans for the brand and brick-and- mortar is crucial to our strategy,” Arnett said. “Our pro-shop format is one that we think works in just about any city in America, so we’re looking at bringing these to markets all over the place.”
The 1,100sq ft West Hollywood shop — dubbed Municipal Pro Shop — has a sleek, modern look, with black fixtures and white walls. It is “club” themed, Arnett said, “think golf, tennis, pickleball and workout.” It features complimentary snacks and drinks for customers and a putting mat with putters and golf balls that guests can play around with.
