Brendan Dunne 
There aren’t too many Nike spots around the world that have the same rich history as their Chicago retail experience, the massive store being a high volume account for as long as anyone can remember thanks in no small part to one Michael Jordan bringing so much energy to the Windy City. They’ve had their doors closed for a minute now though, with the grand re-opening taking place today, September 27th. The 50,000 square foot space is set to be steeped in Chicago history, paying homage via Chicago Bears historical photos, a complete collection of Jordan footwear on display, and more. And if that’s not enough for you Bo Jackson will be hanging out as well for the ribbon cutting. Click through for a full photo set on what’s poised to be one of Nike’s premier retail experiences and click through for the full word on the space from Nike.
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Nike Chicago will reopen its doors on Sept. 27, inviting Chicagoans into a newly remodeled, expanded retail space that reflects Nike’s multi-category store concept. Former Chicago White Sox player and multi-sport legend Bo Jackson, who helped open Nike’s original brand presence on Michigan Avenue more than twenty years ago in 1991, will help welcome Chicagoans back to the brand’s flagship presence on Michigan Avenue which now hosts Nike’s largest retail basketball collection and the brand’s first fully dedicated digital hub.
Nike Chicago will feature memorabilia exclusive to Chicago, including mascots andlogos representing more than 40 local high schools and professional sports teams, exclusive Chicago Bears historical photos, a complete collection of Jordan footwear on display, and in-store photography featuring local Chicago runners and artwork celebrating Chicago neighborhoods. And befitting of the city that the great two-time Olympian Michael Jordan played for during his 13 seasons with the Bulls, Nike Chicago will also be home to the world’s largest, premium selection of Jordan Brand footwear, apparel and equipment.
“Some of the greatest moments in my life took place in Chicago and the city will always have a special place in my heart,” said Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. “I am excited that the Jordan Brand will be a key part of the new location and that the store will continue to be a destination for consumers in Chicago and around the world.”
The new Chicago store is located at the same address–669 N. Michigan Avenue–but has an entirely new look, starting with the façade, as a more-than-50,000-square-foot, four-story retail destination. Nike Chicago reflects the Nike brand retail concept launched in 2010, offering apremium assortment of footwear, apparel and equipment for men, women and young athletes across core sport categories (running, training, basketball, football, sportswear, soccer, golf and tennis), Nike’s latest innovations to create a digital ecosystem for athletes at every level (Nike+ Basketball, Nike+ Running, the Nike+ Fuelband and more), and a NIKEiD studio allows consumers to customize and personalize Nike products to their specifications, with the help of trained design consultants.
“We are proud to be a long-standing partner to the Chicago community, and to offer a renewed, multi-category brand experience for Chicagoans and visitors to this amazing city,” said Tim Hershey, Vice President of Nike North America Retail. “Nike has a deep sports history and connection to Chicago athletes–from running events to high school football and basketball– and we look forward to continuing to inspire and serve athletes of all levels as they train and compete and express their love of sport.”
Grand Opening activities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Bo on September 27 as well as football- and running-focused events over the next few weeks. To keep the Chicago community moving after the grandre-opening, Nike Chicago will host complimentary Nike+ Run Club on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 4and Nike+ Training Club on Tuesdays at 6:30p.m., beginning Oct. 16.
The new Nike Chicago is the eighth Nike concept store of its kind in the U.S. Other Nike brand concepts include stores in Santa Monica, California.; Roosevelt Field in NYC; Scottsdale, Arizona; Mall Of America in Minnesota; Las Vegas, Nevada; North Park, Illionois, Portland, Oregon; and now Chicago in Illinois. Each Nike concept store is a premium, multi-category shopping experience with the continuation of the “Athletes Serving Athletes” concept–hiring and training retail employees with a passion for Nike and supporting the needs of sport-minded consumers. Nike concept stores are also designed to optimize energy efficiency and incorporate recycled and reclaimed materials wherever possible. Nike Chicago is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for an anticipated LEED® Gold Certification and also offers the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program, enabling consumers to drop off their old shoes to be recycled into sport courts, bags, new shoes and more.
For more information, follow Nike Chicago at http://twitter.com/nikechicago.
