NBA Store
The first NBA Store opened its doors in the fall of 1998 at 666 Fifth Avenue. Steve Candeloro served as the store's concierge from that very beginning. The location offered free video games and TV screens showing live broadcasts to visitors. Construction required removing beams to create a large hole at the base of the building. This space measured thirty-six by fifty-four feet. Customers could find current jerseys, replica gear, footwear, and collectibles inside. The store also featured a home section selling pillows and plates with team logos. NBA employees received a thirty percent discount on their purchases.
International expansion began driven by players like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. Their popularity created enough demand to open two new stores in Beijing. The league planned its first Chinese store on Wangfujing Street or in Shanghai during 2006. Statistics showed three hundred million people out of China's population played basketball. Eighty-three percent of males between fifteen and sixty-one years old were interested in the game. The NBA announced the formation of NBA China on the 14th of January 2008. Tim Chen led this joint venture alongside ESPN and Chinese companies. The flagship store in Beijing opened on the 15th of July 2008 with three hundred square meters of retail space. About one thousand people attended the opening event. Sales in China were expected to increase by sixty percent that year.
The original Fifth Avenue store closed on the 13th of February 2011 due to high rent costs. Sal LaRocca stated they could not find a way to make the landlord's required dollars work. The league temporarily relocated the store to a smaller space at 590 Fifth Avenue until August 2015. A new permanent location opened at 545 Fifth Avenue on the 21st of December 2015. This move marked a significant shift for the flagship outlet after seventeen years at the previous address. The temporary space allowed operations to continue while searching for a viable long-term site. The final decision settled on a building that could support future growth.
A digital replica of the NBA Store launched within Second Life on the 1st of May 2007. This virtual world was an Internet-based game where members could shop or play. The launch occurred during the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The entrance featured double revolving doors and gold lettering modeled after the New York City location. Other facilities included a T-Mobile arena for player avatars to watch footage. The NBA became the first professional sports league to unveil a comprehensive headquarters in a virtual world. Earlier attempts included the EA NBA Store feature in the NBA Live series for home consoles. Players purchased digital shoes and jerseys using points earned through in-game tasks.
The store hosted events like Autographs for Supplies with players Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. Kym Hampton from the WNBA also met fans to sign items for school supplies. Michelle Branch and Destiny's Child performed at the NBA Store Concert Series. Run DMC and Aaron Carter were other musical artists who played there. Former President Bill Clinton visited the store while Mayor Ken Livingstone received a personal tour. David Stern served as NBA Commissioner during these high-profile visits. During Christmas 2006, Dwyane Wade's wife volunteered at the Holiday Toy Drive. A fashion exhibition celebrated the acquisition of Jared M. by Casual Male Retail Group in 2007. Sales data showed Kobe Bryant was the most sold jersey in China over three years.
Common questions
When did the first NBA Store open and where was it located?
The first NBA Store opened its doors in the fall of 1998 at 666 Fifth Avenue. Steve Candeloro served as the store's concierge from that very beginning.
Why did the original Fifth Avenue NBA Store close on the 13th of February 2011?
The original Fifth Avenue store closed due to high rent costs because Sal LaRocca stated they could not find a way to make the landlord's required dollars work. The league temporarily relocated the store to a smaller space at 590 Fifth Avenue until August 2015 before moving to 545 Fifth Avenue on the 21st of December 2015.
How many new stores did the NBA plan to open in China during 2006?
International expansion began driven by players like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian created enough demand to open two new stores in Beijing. The league planned its first Chinese store on Wangfujing Street or in Shanghai during 2006.
What date did the flagship store in Beijing officially open with three hundred square meters of retail space?
The flagship store in Beijing opened on the 15th of July 2008 with three hundred square meters of retail space. About one thousand people attended the opening event and sales were expected to increase by sixty percent that year.
When did the digital replica of the NBA Store launch within Second Life?
A digital replica of the NBA Store launched within Second Life on the 1st of May 2007. This virtual world was an Internet-based game where members could shop or play during the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers.