-- Retailer’s first store in New York’s largest borough--
Arena’s other committed street accessible retailers to be part of The Shops at Barclays Center
will include Starbucks, Rocawear, MetroPCS, and Elbow Room
BROOKLYN (September 24, 2012) – The Nets Shop by adidas held its grand opening at Barclays Center today with a ribbon-cutting celebration that was attended by Brooklyn Nets players Brook Lopez and MarShon Brooks, Brooklyn Nets CEO Brett Yormark, Onexim Sports and Entertainment President Irina Pavlova, Barclays Center majority owner Bruce Ratner, and adidas Head of Global Basketball Sports Marketing Chris Grancio.
The event took place four days prior to the September 28 opening of Barclays Center, which will feature the first of JAY Z’s eight sold-out concerts.
While accessible from inside the arena during events, the Nets Shop by adidas will also be open to visitors as a retail store seven days a week through a direct street-level entrance by Flatbush Avenue when the arena is not hosting an event.
The Nets Shop by adidas, located adjacent to the GEICO Atrium, features the already popular Brooklyn Nets black and white merchandise, which will include a large assortment of men’s women’s, and kids’ performance wear and fashion forward apparel. Highlights of the product mix include, t-shirts, hats, track jackets, and sweatshirts, as well as a variety of novelty items. Soon the Nets Shop by adidas will be selling official Brooklyn Nets jerseys. In addition, inside Barclays Center during Nets games, there will be two adidas branded built-in Brooklyn Nets merchandise stands on the north and south sides of the main concourse.
The Nets Team Shop by adidas is part of The Shops at Barclays Center, which also include street accessible exterior retail stores. Other committed retailers include Starbucks, Rocawear, MetroPCS, and Elbow Room, some of which begin opening this week.
“We are proud to open what will be a vibrant Nets Shop by adidas and we also are thrilled to welcome the variety retailers to The Shops at Barclays Center,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “Barclays Center will become a destination whether or not there’s an event in the building. We are excited to continue to team with first-class companies.”
Starbucks will be open to visitors through a direct street-level entrance adjacent to Barclays Center’s main entrance on both event and non-event days. Starbucks will also be the exclusive coffee served inside Barclays Center at concession stands and in the venue’s restaurant and other premium areas.
The Starbucks location at Barclays Center has been designed to showcase the arena, as well as Starbucks’ longstanding commitment to Brooklyn. Starbucks used reclaimed basketball gym flooring for the bar cladding, a large seating element, custom lighting and a 30’ high wall inside the store. Local Brooklyn artist Olalekan Jeyifous created a graphic for Starbucks that shows how the Barclays Center has become a new important ‘hub’ for the community. Starbucks customers will have a fantastic view of the outdoor plaza in front of the arena, as well as a direct view into the Barclays Center practice court that sits below the store.
“We are excited to be a part of the opening of Barclays Center, a centerpiece of the dynamic development happening in Brooklyn,” said Andrew Alfano, SVP of Starbucks Northeast Atlantic division. “Starbucks has been a proud member of the New York community for many years, and we look forward to being a part of this next phase of Brooklyn’s growth.”
Rocawear will be located on Flatbush Avenue. An American lifestyle apparel brand, Rocawear launched in 1999 off the meteoric success of JAY Z and Roc-a-fella Records. It remains today as a successful, multi-million dollar brand with distribution globally.
“As a kid who grew up in Marcy Projects, it feels surreal to not only bring professional sports back to Brooklyn, but to have the first flagship Rocawear store at The Shops at Barclays Center is like the ultimate dream fulfilled,” said JAY Z.
Located on Atlantic Avenue, MetroPCS, the nation’s fifth largest wireless carrier and provider of the only no-contract 4GLTE service, gives Brooklynites an easily-accessible space to explore their portfolio of devices, such as 4GLTE Android smartphones, pay monthly bills, make service changes, or meet with sales associates. MetroPCS offers a variety of affordable rate plans and 4GLTE plans that range from just $40 to $70 a month – taxes and fees included. Moreover, each plan comes with unlimited talk, text and options for data access on 4GLTE plans. MetroPCS is also enhancing the fan experience through the MetroPCS Upper Pavilion, a seating area in the arena, and also is offering phone-charging stations and photo booths.
“We’re incredibly excited to continue our long-standing relationship with the Nets and recognize that the Barclays Center will play a central role in the community and commerce development of Brooklyn,” said Michael Johnson, VP/Regional General Manager of MetroPCS New York region. “Along with providing affordable wireless plans and feature-rich phones, our co-located store at the Barclays Center is just one way that we’re providing Brooklyn and New York residents with an exceptional wireless experience.”
Next to MetroPCS on Atlantic Avenue will be Elbow Room. Elbow Room has taken a version of traditional mac and cheese and added the highest-quality, freshest toppings available such as Kobe beef, Maine lobster, locally-grown organic veggies, and only the best varieties of cheese. There are over 12 macs to choose from, including a vegan mac.
Other retailers for Barclays Center will be announced soon.