In 1966, brothers Paul and James Van Doren alongside Gordon Lee and Serge D’Elia opened the first Vans store in Anaheim, California under the name The Van Doren Rubber Company.
Initially, the brothers manufactured the shoes themselves, selling them directly to the public. On their first day in business, the company only had display models in stock, so when customers picked out their Vans, they were asked to come back that same afternoon to pick up their purchase.
Paul and Lee had to then head to the factory to fabricate the shoes, 12 pairs to be exact. The customers came back to the store later in the day to pick up their Vans, but the store didn’t have any change. The Vans team, who were in no position to turn down customers, gave out the shoes and asked the customers to return the following day with their payments – all twelve did so.
The three styles sold in '66 retailed for $2.49 and $4.99 at the time. Wow.
While Vans diversified over the years, was gobbled up by manufacturing giants and then spit back out, the company continues to have a growing share of the market, now manufacturing clothing as well and sponsoring events like the Warped Tour and extreme sporting events like the Vans Triple Crown.
Every old-school surfer dude, like this writer, rotates through his Chucks and his Vans, but now, thanks to 168 and tattoo artist Rick Fichter, there’s a new Van in town!
For a limited time only, you can get one of Rick Fichter’s tattoo graphics on a pair of specially designed Vans that pair the iconic flair of original Vans and the artistry of 168’s Rick Fichter.
If you are interested in ordering a pair, send an email to 168 at rick168tattoo@gmail.com and 168 will respond within 24 hours. The 168-styled vans as shown are $125.00.
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