New York City
Established in the fall of 1998, the 35,000-square-foot (3,300 m2) store offers free video games, a regulation basketball court, and other attractions like a life-size Shaquille O'Neal bobblehead. Among its many products, the store sells current NBA & WNBA jerseys, replica jerseys of retired players, footwear, collectibles, photography, and other gifts. It has several departments, such as a home section, where customers can buy items like pillows, plates, and other NBA related items. NBA employees, including players, receive a 30% discount on their purchases. The most expensive item for sale is a $75,000 signed "framed photo collage" of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
| “ | It's really meant to be in the world's most important city and the most complete collection of N.B.A. products and experiences staged in one place. | ” |
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—Rick Welts, chief marketing officer of the N.B.A., |
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Construction involved removing beams to make space for an 36-by-54-foot hole in the bottom three floors of the existing 41 story building. Steve Candeloro has been the store's concierge since it opened in 1998. The store is frequently visited by celebrities, tourists, and NBA players who are in town to play the New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets. The NBA Store has been visited by important guests such as former President Bill Clinton, and the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who received a personal tour by NBA Commissioner David Stern. The store is also host to The NBA Store Concert Series, concert events where musical artists perform at the store's half court; some previous performers include: Michelle Branch, Destiny's Child, Run DMC, and Aaron Carter.
The NBA Store in New York City allowed its customers to rent areas for birthday parties or other private celebrations and has hosted charity events in the past. During Christmas 2006, the wife of NBA player Dwyane Wade volunteered at the NBA Store Holiday Toy Drive. The New York Knicks regularly held events like Autographs for Supplies at the NBA Store where New York players like Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph, and WNBA's Kym Hampton meet fans and signs items in an effort to raise school supplies for children and stress academics. In 2007, the store held a fashion exhibition to celebrate the Casual Male Retail Group acquisition of the men's big & tall clothing company Jared M., a company popular among athletes and celebrities for its custom sportswear; several NBA players were happy to show their support since the founder had fitted many of them in the past.
| # | 2005/2006 | 2006/2007 | 2007/2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dwyane Wade | Kobe Bryant | Kevin Garnett |
| 2. | LeBron James | Dwyane Wade | Kobe Bryant |
| 3. | Allen Iverson | LeBron James | Allen Iverson |
| 4. | Kobe Bryant | Allen Iverson | LeBron James |
| 5. | Stephon Marbury | Carmelo Anthony | Steve Nash |
| 6. | Shaquille O’Neal | Steve Nash | Dwyane Wade |
| 7. | Tracy McGrady | Vince Carter | Gilbert Arenas |
| 8. | Carmelo Anthony | Gilbert Arenas | Dirk Nowitzki |
| 9. | Vince Carter | Shaquille O'Neal | Stephon Marbury |
| 10. | Ben Wallace | Stephon Marbury | Carmelo Anthony |
| 11. | Tim Duncan | Dirk Nowitzki | Kevin Durant |
| 12. | Dirk Nowitzki | Tracy McGrady | Paul Pierce |
| 13. | Paul Pierce | Paul Pierce | Tracy McGrady |
| 14. | Steve Nash | Chris Paul | Dwight Howard |
| 15. | Amar'e Stoudemire | Tim Duncan | Chris Paul |
In 2007, the most sold team paraphernalia were from the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and the 2006 NBA champions the Miami Heat. The following year, the Lakers and Knicks retained their top spots, but the Heat were replaced by the new 2008 NBA champions the Boston Celtics.
The NBA Store's main outlet in New York was closed in February 13, 2011 due to high rent. "The amount of dollars the landlord is requiring from the next tenant, we couldn't find a way to make it work," NBA executive vice president of global merchandising Sal LaRocca said. While the league searches for a new location the store will operate temporarily at 590 Fifth Avenue.
Read more about this topic: NBA Store
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