Nike launch its first flagship store in Nigeria

Nike, the international sportswear giant on Thursday launched its first flagship store in Lagos, Nigeria- a first of its kind in West Africa.

The Nigeria-based “Just Do It” store is a herald of a news era that offers Nigerian customers the opportunity to experience the exuberant collection of the brand product first-hand. The initiative is powered by Hudson Holdings Group, a leading retail and distribution group renowned for representing Nike brand.

Nike Nigeria store, which spans over 500sqft at the Ikeja City Mall, houses a different collection of Nike products. It curated various categories of apparel that are designated for running, training, basketball, yoga, swimming, athleisure and lifestyles for a wider selection of men, women and children. The outlet is designed to give shoppers a premium, immersive and seamless shopping experience that is both engaging and comfortable.

Kieran Murphy, the Country General Manager of Houdson’s group, said the decision to establish a flagship store in Nigeria is because the country has a strong role in the history of Nike noting that Lagos is the territory for the sportswear brand to lay its foundation message throughout Africa.

“ We are extremely proud to be opening the Nike Flagship store here in Lagos, the first in West Africa. Nike sees Africa, especially Nigeria as the next territory that the brand needs to expand into, so we are here to lay a foundation for Nike’s message throughout Africa,” Murphy said Commenting on the initiation of the launch, the Brand Director, Indrek Heinmets, described Lagos as the lighthouse of Africa adding that the decision is an important milestone for the brand to create physical access with their consumers and to build a strong relationship in the local communities.

He said; “For Nike, Nigeria has always been a major focus in Africa. Lagos itself- is the lighthouse of Africa that drives the energy from the consumer perspective and for a global brand like Nike. Creating this access with the consumer is a super important market for Nike, We are bringing the global brand but what we really want to see is how we can really execute it locally. By combining initiative events with local teams. Whether it’s with the sports team, sneakers event or fitness event. The direction of the Nike brand is on how to further engage with the local customers.”

Heinmets also noted that women are a key focus for NikeNigeria to create a more inclusive space to encourage movement and support them in their sports and fitness journey.

To further prove their desire to forge strong commercial and social ties in the country Nike has partnered with The Asisat Oshoala Foundation, an organization working towards sports and social development causes for young girls in Nigeria.

Abu Azeez, a Super Sand Eagles Player (beach soccer), said having the sportswear brand in Lagos is very beneficial for athletes like himself as it gives him the opportunity to directly shop for his sports gear without ordering it online.

The event was an eclectic mix of athletic style and fashion. Attendees include A-list celebrities, Nigerian fashion influencers, fitness enthusiasts, organizations and of course the brand esteemed customers.