LONDON CALLING: NIKETOWN TO OPEN SECOND STORE IN EUROPE

          NikeTown London opens July 17 at Oxford Circus,
     becoming the second NikeTown in Europe.  Nike says that the
     70,000-square-foot facility will be the largest NikeTown in
     the world and has been designed to reflect the architecture
     and sports culture of the city of London.  The store
     features three stories of retail space and a three-story,
     360-degree multimedia projection screen as its centerpiece. 
     Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a
     weekly running club as well as sports clinics, athlete Q&A
     sessions and other special events (NikeTown).  
          WHAT'S UP BACK HOME? John Killen reported that a "group
     of special guests," including Trail Blazers F Brian Grant,
     "broke ground" Wednesday for a new two-level, 18,000-square
     -foot Nike factory outlet in Portland.  Grant, who is
     recovering from recent surgery, "wielded one of his crutches
     instead of a shovel to take part" in the ceremony.  The
     store, which was designed by Ralston Architects, will be
     "about twice the size" of the store located four blocks away
     that it will replace (Portland OREGONIAN, 7/8).