First Look: Nike's new Michael Jordan showplace

Anyone who thinks Michael Jordan’s star may have dimmed in the 10-plus years since he retired from professional basketball, should think again.



Nike on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Chicago, debuts its first-ever store dedicated entirely to its Jordan Brand, and fans of the sports legend, along with sneaker enthusiasts, lined up for days in anticipation of the opening. Nike also plans to open Jordan Brand stores in additional locations, including New York, Los Angeles and Toronto.



The Chicago store is named after its address, 32 South State, in the city’s Loop district. But the main exterior signage is the brand’s signature “Jumpman” silhouette logo.



“We are privileged to not only lease space in our building to Nike’s first-ever dedicated Jordan Brand retail location, but also have the store be named after the property’s address,” said Melissa Gliatta, executive VP of Thor Equities, which also owns a number of additional properties in Chicago.

Jordan gave his Twitter followers a preview of the store, including the video above in his tweet: “No place like home. A look inside 32 South State, a retail experience with ‪@Footaction‬.



The spirit of Jordan is evident throughout the store, which feature products in all four of the brand’s categories: basketball, training, sportswear, and kids. The space has an urban industrial look and is accented with images of the athlete, including an oversized stylized mural. Shoes he wore on the court are displayed. A floor drawing features a six-finger hand, reflecting Jordan's six championship rings.