NIKE'S COMMUNITY STORE IN THE CRESCENT CITY

NEW STORE SUPPORTS NEW ORLEANS COMMUNITY

On April 24th, Nike gave New Orleans two new reasons to celebrate: a new Factory Store and thousands of dollars in community grants. Nike’s new community-oriented retail store on Carrollton Avenue celebrated its grand opening and the team presented 10 community-based organizations with $50,000 in grants.

The first national retailer to open at Carrollton Avenue since Hurricane Katrina, Nike’s Community Store will occupy 8,900 square feet and carry a wide range of Nike men’s women’s and kid’s footwear, apparel and equipment. The store is designed to employ neighborhood residents, utilize local services and support local community organizations.

Nike’s Community Store will help bring employment, activity and commerce back to the local community and Nike hopes to encourage additional retail investment in the area. Through an annual grant program, Nike’s Community Store will provide opportunities for young people to advocate for more ways to play sport. Nike has partnered with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to assist in the selection and distribution of an initial $50,000 in grants to the New Orleans community.

“We’re thrilled to open a community store in New Orleans and to continue building relationships with the community,” said Dan Sawall, General Manager of Nike Factory Stores in the U.S. “Our commitment to New Orleans has always been to make the city a better place to live, work and play. The Nike Factory Community store is a testament to that commitment.”

For the inaugural grant donation, top local athletes and Mayor C. Ray Nagin joined Nike in presenting each of 10 organizations with a $5,000 grant to support their efforts in strengthening the Carrolton neighborhood. The groups included: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Louisiana, Café Reconcile, Covenant House, D&R Sports Foundation, Hands on New Orleans, Kids Smart, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Mid-City Neighborhood Association, Strive, Inc. and Special Olympics Louisiana.

Following the grand opening ceremony, the community celebration continued with The Black Men of Labor and the Treme Brass Band. A limited edition pair of Air Force Ones designed by local artist Terrance Osborne was raffled at the event as well.

Since 2005, Nike has donated over $7.5 million in product, surface donations, and cash to New Orleans. Last year, Nike launched the Let Me Play New Orleans program, donating $2.5 million in product, equipment and play surfaces as part of its rebuilding efforts through sport.