Nike opens another store, that alone doesn’t sound exciting nor groundbreaking right? Wait until you hear the concept behind their community stores. Introducing their sixth community store, Nike is now cemented into “East Los” on Whittier Blvd. Located off the 710 freeway, Nike’s community stores aim to help the locals and giveback directly. 80% of the store’s employees come from a five mile radius. By opening jobs and keeping the jobs local, this definitely has a direct impact.
Giovani dos Santos was the special guest and is a huge star in the soccer community. He now plays for the LA Galaxy and the crowds definitely flocked out to catch a glimpse of the stud. He signed autographs and took selfies with fans. The turnout was amazing and the atmosphere was electric.
The event began with Power 106’s Krystal Bee and Mando Fresko emceeing the event. Shoutout to Mando Fresko for inserting himself in the street soccer game with Giovani dos Santos, the kids from Roosevelt High School, and Garfield High School. For those who aren’t from Los Angeles, these two schools have a long tradition of rivalry:
Nike continues to help the community by pushing the young athletes. The Swoosh is a partner in Marathon Kids, a program to keep local kids engaged in running and challenges them to run the equivalence of four marathons (up to 104.8 miles).
The East Los location marks Nike’s sixth Community Store since Nike first established the concept in Portland, Oregon. Other locations include the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood and South Chicago.
The store is unique. We believe it’s best described as a hybrid shop. While they will have the newest and latest drops (from Kobe / LeBron / KD / etc.), they also featured discounted shoes like the Outlets. Some notable shoes include the Nike Kobe IX “Victory” for $199.99 (retail: $225), the Hyperchase for $54.99 (retail: $100), and the KD 7 “Floral” for $149.99 (retail: $200). In case you don’t follow our Twitter, peep everything from our eyes:
Street soccer is happening in the most OG way possible. pic.twitter.com/vrRrfJgACe — Kicksologists (@kicksologists) October 16, 2015
@OficialGio is definitely feeling the energy pic.twitter.com/PbNxDhy736
— Kicksologists (@kicksologists) October 16, 2015
Thousands out here to support the new @NikeLA Store in East LA and to catch a glimpse of @OficialGio ! pic.twitter.com/rxPKT96KEr
— Kicksologists (@kicksologists) October 16, 2015
For more information check out Nike’s official press release.