New Footwear Brand to Donate Opening Profits to Flood Relief
January 5, 2026 - by Vessi
Vessi donates all profits from Bellevue store opening period to flood relief efforts
Canadian footwear brand opens first U.S. store Jan. 7 at Bellevue Square
Vessi, the Vancouver-founded waterproof footwear brand, will open its first U.S. retail store on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Bellevue Square in The Bellevue Collection. In response to recent flooding affecting parts of the Pacific Northwest, the company will donate all profits from the Bellevue store’s opening period to support local flood relief and recovery efforts.
The donation will apply from opening day through the first weekend of operations. Specific recipient organizations will be confirmed following the conclusion of the donation period, once totals are finalized. Vessi will also make a separate donation to support flood relief efforts in Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland in British Columbia.
Founded in 2018, Vessi designs lightweight, everyday footwear built with its proprietary Dyma-tex waterproof knit technology. The company has sold more than two million pairs globally, with the Pacific Northwest representing one of its strongest customer regions.
The Bellevue location marks Vessi’s first permanent retail presence in the United States. The store will carry the brand’s full footwear lineup, along with select outerwear, giving customers an opportunity to experience Vessi’s proprietary Dyma-tex waterproof technology and fit in person.
“Vessi was founded in the Pacific Northwest, and rain is something we usually design for and celebrate,” said Andy Wang, co-founder and CEO of Vessi. “This year, with flooding impacting parts of the region, we wanted to open our first U.S. store in a way that felt responsible. Donating profits from the opening period was the right place to start.”
The Bellevue store will also participate in Vessi’s ongoing Soul4Souls program, accepting used shoes and clothing for donation.
Store details
Location: Vessi, Bellevue Square at The Bellevue Collection
Opening date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Opening hours (day one): 10:00 a.m.
Media contact
James Prescott
PR, Vessi
james.prescott@vessi.com
