Game on ’cause the Big One’s finally here.
With a massive space to play with, surrounded by parks and trails that makes its well-loved ethos and lifestyle integrated into the community, all 14,000 sq. ft. of it, plus two floors and an indoor basketball court, it’s hard to miss the new Nike Fort hub in Bonifacio Global City, the exact spot that it stood almost 15 years ago, but even greater. The Big One, as it is fittingly called, boasts of a better and bigger line of Nike products ranging from sport to lifestyle and a huge Experience Studio where consumers can participate in fitness sessions and of course, the swoosh way of life, all in time for Nike’s 50th year celebration. Not to worry though, because you don’t have to be an athlete for the store crew to take good care of you.
Honestly, I think choosing to renovate the space instead of moving to another area is pretty genius, considering how most people on-the-go or those busy in their offices can just walk in easily. Here’s what I really thought of during my first visit at Nike Fort.
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THE “WOMEN’S FIRST HOUR” IS THEIR BEST SERVICE YET, TBH
Elevating the shopping experience, especially with women in their mind (as they should), I was greeted at the entrance by a wide selection of products splashed across the tenets of running, training, yoga, tennis, basketball, and golf that can also be worn on a day-to-day basis. There’s tons of new selections in their line like sports bras, women’s tops and tees, performance shoes like Peg39 and Vaporfly, and tights. Perfect for those who are looking into exploring more sports and fitness activities.
You also have to peep their new kids’ section in the same floor which has tons of new sneaker styles, quirky tees and a wide sizing range both for girls and boys. Have you seen the Nikeland x Roblox collab yet? It’s pretty awesome.
With its signature sense of identity and care, you can avail of The Women’s First Hour, a new innovative service of Nike, which focuses on female customers, offering one-on-one styling sessions at the Sport Hub by appointment and no more queuing. (Pro tip: it’s best to book during lunch time, especially for those who want to try their Tights Styling!) So far, the service has been doing great across the other stores with an average of 300+ bookings at Nike Fort, Jordan Manila, Glorietta, North Edsa, Trinoma, Ayala Bay and ATC. 10 out of 10 would schedule an appointment again. Nothing less for the queens of the court.
THE EXPERIENCE STUDIO IS THE NEW PLAYGROUND
The Experience Studio, located on the first floor, is a space that brings the community closer, making them fall in love with sport even more. Tucked within the expansive architecture of the store, Nike hosts group and one-on-one sessions to help the brand’s biggest fans achieve their health and wellness goals. It also doubles as a cool space for intimate gatherings like the recent Upcycling Workshop (check out scenes from the sesh on our IG reels!), their Girls Got Game event, and a Kids Yoga Session to encourage more people and families to live out the sporty life.
You already know I spent most of my time here, brushing up on my basketball skills after years. It was pretty convenient too with the place having a restroom inside. (Oh, feel free to take some mirror selfies while you’re at it.)
THE CITY REPLAY ZONE CONNECTS YOU WITH HOMEGROWN ARTISTS
The brand has always championed fresh talents all over the world, not only athletes, but also local artists through their Nike By You collection. At the City Replay Zone, consumers can now access the brand’s customization services of localized products like caps, tees, totes shoes made by homegrown talent. Which makes a lot of sense to me, given most of us like things custom-made. Add to that, we’re the 2nd largest userbase of Nikeland in the broader Asia Pacific region. A flex, TBH.
The designs highlight the influence of sport in Filipino culture and Nike has enlisted the help of some of my newly-discovered local artists Bitto, Hey Mady! and Googoo and Gaga (for the kids). Some of my favorite elements are the Sari-Sari store and the wooden basketball court. If that doesn’t scream Filipino, I don’t know what will. Just step out of the store and you’ll see a colorful mural created by Bitto that shows women in motion, coming together in the name of sport.
The new Nike Park Fort is located at B3, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue and even as it just opened to the public, the long lines around the block and the continuous flow of customers walking through its doors is proof that Nike once again, scores big. And if you think they are done, think again, because there is a lot more in store for the brand and the love of the sport.
Definitely worth the time, you know I’ll be heading back to Nike Fort again, ASAP! See you there, yes? Yes.
