The NBA is "ready to put down roots on Fifth Avenue again with a retail store that it believes offers the first omnichannel experience for any sports league," according to Jean Palmieri of WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY. The 25,000-square-foot store is "expected to open to the public next week," and select media previews were set to be held beginning today. The last NBA flagship "closed four years ago, and since that time, the league had been searching for the right location while it operated a smaller, temporary store." The new location "offers 15,000 square feet of selling space over three floors and includes a number of bells and whistles." From the street, customers "will see a 32-foot-tall basketball 'net' lit by 31,000 LED lights that reaches to the second floor." The net is "topped by a sculpture that is designed to replicate a basketball tread." In several locations throughout the store, "there are fan engagement screens where customers can find out about their favorite players, teams, what’s trending on social media, game recaps and even buy NBA tickets." The store "offers 75,000 units from 60 licensees." There also is a "smattering of exclusive and limited-edition product available only at the flagship." On the main floor "will be a 400-square-foot video wall displaying the latest league news, game highlights and social media posts." Seasonal and special N.Y. merchandise also "will be offered." On the lower level, a Spalding basketball chandelier is an "eye-catcher." It features "68 game balls and was made specifically for the store." There are "handprints where shoppers can gauge their hand size against players, a Hardwood Classics area featuring retro fashion apparel along with a gallery wall with memorabilia" (WWD.com, 12/17).
