1UNITED we stand

The other night, the country’s first-ever team-oriented sports store called 1UNITED opened its doors to the public with PBA stars Arwind Santos and Calvin Abueva cutting the ribbon to highlight the inauguration at the La Fuerza I Complex on Don Chino Roces Avenue, formerly Pasong Tamo, in Makati.

“The concept of our store is to customize branded items and we provide an inventory that can cover a team’s needs for footwear, apparel and equipment,” said 1UNITED owner Chris Monteron. “Normally, retailers only carry one or two pairs per size. But in our store, we have deep inventories of uniform shoes that can enable players to embody team spirit.”

1UNITED is both retailer and wholesaler since it caters to individual or team requirements. That’s what makes it unique and attractive. “It’s a one-of-a-kind team store and has a customization facility which allows players, coaches and managers alike to create their own branded team wear,” added Monteron. 1UNITED’s main sports are basketball and football but it also has apparel, footwear and accessories for training purposes.

 Among the guests at the opening were Nike country director Loulette Quino, Mizuno Philippines CEO Lovell Gopez, NU senior men’s basketball team coach Eric Altamirano’s wife Marissa (representing the Bulldogs who are now training in Australia), NU senior women’s basketball team coach Pat Aquino, Air 21 cager Ogie Menor, San Miguel Beer ABL forward Mike Burtscher, Talk ‘N’ Text forward Bam Gamalinda, Gilas cadet player Jake Pascual, player agent Charles Lim, La Salle chief recruiter Dave Dichupa, Solar Sports’ Martin David, TV5’s Tony and Aaron Atayde with their father Tony, Sr., TV basketball analyst Dominic Uy, The Spiderman and The Beast.

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Store manager Paulynne Siquijor said customization of apparel will take five to seven days and it’s well worth the wait. 1UNITED carries products from Nike, Adidas, Puma, Mizuno, Molten, Mikasa and Mueller. You can’t miss the store passing along Don Chino Roces. Above the entrance is a huge Nike “Just Do It” mural of NBA star Kevin Durant.

“1UNITED is the first multi-brand team store in the Philippines, offering customizable jerseys, shorts and shoe colorways that will fit any team,” said Monteron. “Whether you’re in a varsity team, alumni, corporate or just a weekly barkada group, 1UNITED can help you create your own uniforms. We carry mostly Nike and Adidas shoes and apparel, both for basketball and football. Other products include bags, socks, balls and other sports-related accessories. Since ours is a team-oriented shop, special rates apply for group orders for just a minimum of six items.”

Orders are processed at the store and on-line via www.1united.com.ph <http://www.1united.com.ph/> or email [email protected]. “1UNITED embodies the essence of playing in a team,” continued Monteron. “The words ‘one’ and ‘united’ foster the team spirit in the communication and execution of our corporate name and logo.” Team sales manager Chico Tirona may be contacted at +639178214080 or Tel./Fax +632-5530295 for orders or inquiries.

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1UNITED is owned by Beaverton Maguire Inc. (BMI), an authorized Nike retailer and distributor in the country operating Nike outlet stores on the North Expressway in Pampanga and in Santa Rosa, Laguna.  BMI is also an exclusive national distributor of Nike products to other retailers and institutional channels and services over 18 branches of Toby’s Sports nationwide.

1UNITED’s arrival is timely. There wasn’t a one-stop sports store before to take care of a team’s total uniform requirements from head to foot. With 1UNITED, now it’s no longer difficult to put an order for team apparel and footwear – at the store or on-line. Ordering is done in three easy steps – choose your team sport and colors, create your team look and customize each item then place your order. It’s that simple and according to Monteron, satisfaction is guaranteed. I can attest to it. From the inauguration, I brought back a green-and-white No. 1 jersey with “The Dean” emblazoned on the back. No complaints here.