The Nets tonight are introducing a complimentary shoe shine stand at Barclays Center after signing a one-year deal with online retailer Zappos to sponsor the destination. The retrofit replaces an old GQ-branded barber shop, which will relocate to a different location in the arena. The shoe shine stand includes a "selfie sofa" and merchandise display where fans can browse new footwear styles from Zappos.com. As part of the activation, patrons sitting on the sofa can have their photo taken by a camera mounted overhead and have those images emailed to them. In turn, those individuals posting their photos on Facebook and Twitter with the appropriate hash tag have the opportunity to win seat upgrades, concession credits and access to a VIP lounge, said Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment Exec VP/Global Partnerships Mike Zavodsky. Zappos paid for the development and hired a pro shoe shine specialist to run the operation. He can service those wearing both leather shoes and sneakers, Zavodsky said. Zappos is a new partner at Barclays Center, but has a relationship dating back to a smaller deal it had with the Nets for several years at Izod Center. For tonight's game, Nets F Chris McCullough will participate in the ceremony christening the space. Zavodsky noted that for NHL games at the venue, Islanders team ambassador Mike Bossy will be involved with the activation.
