If you don't already know, New Balance's most exciting drops live in a Grey Store. This June, the streetwear giant is pushing out the elevated retail concept at Melbourne's QV. The 201-square-meter store will stock New Balance's Made in USA and Made in UK collections, as well as limited-edition releases outside the regular brick-and-mortar rotation. We're talking designs by labels like Stone Island, Aimé Leon Dore and Junya Watanabe, plus coveted collabs that sell out in minutes — think American rapper Action Bronson's futuristic, amphibian-like kicks. Decked out in neutral woods and marble details, the Albert Coates Lane address is designed for Melbourne's "unique energy and creativity", says Jonathan Clark, New Balance APAC DTC Director. That DNA will show up at the Grey Store's launch on Thursday, June 11, where local venues, musicians and creatives will celebrate Melbourne's distinct postcodes in a QV laneway takeover. Try your hand at heat-pressing Cal Gillespie's artwork on tote bags, with designs inspired by neighbourhood landmarks like Carlton Basketball Courts, Greville Street's record store stretch and the Flinders Street Station photo booths. No introduction to the city would be complete without a spread of its community favourites — Fancy Hanks, Hector's Donuts and DOC Pizza will bring the grub. New Balance QV is now open at 20-24 Albert Coates Lane, Level 1, QV Melbourne. Visit the New Balance website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.