CEBU, Philippines - The National Basketball Association has announced that it will open the largest NBA Store outside of the US in Manila today, at Glorietta 3 in the Ayala Center, Makati City. To celebrate the opening, Richard “Rip” Hamilton, a three-time NBA All-Star and member of the 2004 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons, will appear at the NBA Store to meet with fans.
Managed by International Athletic Trading Company, Inc., the NBA Store in Manila will offer basketball aficionados authentic NBA merchandise and memorabilia. Boasting more than one thousand square meters over two floors, the NBA Store will carry merchandise from all 30 teams and offer personalized jersey services. The store will feature a comprehensive assortment of NBA products, including the latest apparel and footwear by adidas, the official outfitter of the NBA. Fans can also find autographed memorabilia for sale as well as NBA lifestyle and offcourt apparel and accessories only available for sale at the NBA Store in the Philippines. Other unique features include an interactive zone where fans can hone their NBA 2K skills and measure their hands, feet, and height against their favorite players, all while soaking up an authentic NBA shopping experience.
“The passion and excitement of NBA fans in the Philippines have helped us deliver so many dedicated Filipino NBA destinations across TV, social and digital media, events, and the NBA Cafe,” said Scott Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, NBA Asia. “It is fitting that the Philippines should also have the largest NBA Store outside of the US. This will present yet another opportunity for our fans to get closer to the game, and proudly display their loyalties to their favorite NBA teams and players.”
The first 300 visitors to the NBA Store will receive special prizes, including the opportunity to meet with Rip Hamilton and win limited edition footwear, NBA Store gift certificates, personalized jerseys and other NBA merchandise.
“Basketball is a way of life in the Philippines, and we are excited to be working with the NBA to open an official NBA Store right here in Manila,” said Melvin Lloyd Lim, President and CEO, International Athletic Trading Company Inc. “The NBA Store will not only offer the country’s widest range of NBA merchandise and apparel, it will be a destination for future NBA activities, something our Filipino fans can look forward to.”
The NBA Store in Manila will carry products from brands such as adidas, New Era, Panini, Spalding, Stance Socks, 2K Sports and many more. Fans can also look forward to finding NBA-branded footwear and NBA Exclusive Apparel collections that will be available in the country for the first time and are being offered exclusively at the NBA Store in the Philippines.
The NBA Store will officially open at 9:00 a.m. Regular store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday) and 10:00am to 10:00pm (Friday and Saturday). (PR) (FREEMAN)