(Shopped 02/17/23 FR @ 5:30pm): Back up the van to the front door because I want one of every…read morestyle!
My visit to Vans' Sherman Oaks location was an impromptu one because I was assigned a last-minute in-person project event that required white shoes of all things! If you knew me at all, I simply didn't buy anything white anymore because the color easily got dirty. Well, when a paycheck was literally calling, I had to jump into a pair of white kickers! As for the brand itself, I basically grew up in Vans while I saved my allowance, birthday, and Christmas monies, and went to my nearest shop in La Canada Flintridge to slap down the dollars for pairs of crazy customized shoes. Needless to say, I was a fanboy, and although I've nearly moved on as an adult, I still had a few pairs to lounge around in. How was this unexpected shopping excursion for something I didn't care for!?
PURCHASE
Era True White Shoes Size 11($60.00): Blinding whiteness, my feet felt right at home in this pair of shoes, and it served me well for the weekend work event. However, I couldn't "kick" the idea that I belonged in the Backstreet Boys video, "I Want It That Way" where they are dressed all in white! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=oUOuZio_CyqrxTw0gLm-oQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
36" Black Shoe Laces ($3.99): Since I was here, I bought a replacement shoelace set for another pair of Vans I had at home.
SERVICE
Happily greeted by a young friendly female, once I found what I was looking for, I called her over, she brought me a couple pairs of the style in questions in different sizes, I quickly tried on each of them, I immediately made my decision, returned the pair I didn't need, and before I knew it I was at the checkout counter finishing up my purchase. I was probably the easiest customer they had all day - thank you!
PARKING (FREE)
Located inside the Westfield Fashion Square Shopping Center, there were ample spots throughout the multi-level parking structure (I believed there was also a valet) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A small store that maximized its space efficiently from display tables and rack shelving filled with caps and clothes, peg boards that held boxers, shoelaces, and socks, and shoe wall displays towards the back in addition to wallets and the other smaller items at the register. Plenty of graphics covered the walls that gave way to its skater background which I really liked, and some decorative floor mats throughout. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1A8um3haoW0xdYRoj207ZA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Barely any natural lighting came through the large front windows and door from the mall's windows while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs, but pumping music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Sherman Oak's Westfield Fashion Square Vans location served its purpose, and I may return if I were in the area again in the same situation; however, I'd opt for a closer location to my crib. I actually had no issues with the store itself, it was easy to find inside the mall, parking was a breeze, the prices were comparable, the inventory was very good, and I liked the young energetic staff. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $70.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS