The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Al Mana Fashion Group have announced the official opening of the first NBA Store in the Middle East, located at Doha Festival City.
The official store opening was attended by three-time NBA All-Star and 2004 NBA champion Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton, who was joined by Al Mana Sports Division general manager Tom Foley and NBA EMEA vice-president, Global Merchandising, Vandana Balachandar.
The 162sqm retail space, managed by Al Mana, features a wide selection of authentic NBA products, including current and former player jerseys, fan apparel, headwear, footwear, basketballs, toys and more, providing a one-stop shopping experience for NBA fans in the region.
“The NBA Store is an exciting new concept to our portfolio.” said Foley. “With the support of the NBA, we have managed to bring this concept to Qatar. The store has great merchandise and delivers the real NBA experience, which will inspire the Qatari basketball consumer.”
“Our first NBA Store in the region will meet the growing demand that Qatari fans have for authentic NBA products,” said Balachandar. “We are excited to partner with Al Mana Fashion Group to bring the latest NBA merchandise to fans in the region to help them celebrate their passion for the NBA.”
Fans can purchase a Nike NBA Connected Jersey, the first NBA jersey that gives the wearer an all-access pass into the world of their favourite team and players. Fans can also personalise jerseys exclusively at the NBA Store in Doha.
The store offers youth apparel, a range of autographed memorabilia and an interactive zone, where fans can hone their NBA 2K skills.
The flagship NBA Store in Doha, which builds on the league’s network of more than 300 NBA-branded retail locations globally, features products from brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Spalding, Stance, Under Armour, Jordan Brand, Adidas and Bleacher Creatures.
The store is open from 10am to 10pm – Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10am to midnight, Thursday to Saturday.
NBA fans in the Middle East can sign up to receive the latest offers and updates from the NBA Store in Qatar at nbastore-me.com
From left: Brand marketing manager at Al Mana Bas Bouwman, Tom Foley, Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton, Vandana Balachandar and Steve Griffiths, senior manager at National Basketball Association, at the opening.
