Nike Opens First New York Community Store in Flatbush

Deeper inland from more glitzy urbanized neighborhoods such as Williamsburg or DUMBO lies Flatbush, one of Brooklyn’s most historic neighborhoods. It is the home of Brooklyn College; the neighborhood where the borough’s major avenues – Bedford, Flatbush, Church and Nostrand – converge. It is the original home of the Dodgers franchise. Although its main competitor has just planted a flag in downtown Brooklyn, Nike opted to highlight Brooklyn’s roots in its latest initiative, opening its very first NYC-based Community Store in Flatbush.

The Community Store differs from other flagships in its mission to build healthy community through sport, and accordingly, the store has ensured that 80% of its employees (store athletes) are employed through local channels. Nike builds on this mission by carrying Brooklyn-specific products – including that of local sports teams. At the interior, the space underlines this sense of organic growth, preserving and reinforcing the original brickwork and metal structuring of the once-empty edifice. Aside from this, Nike will also use the location as a base for its Run Club and Nike+ Training Club programs. Longtime residents know that you can’t think ‘Brooklyn’ without Flatbush, but now, you can’t think Flatbush without Nike. If in the area, be sure to stop by the Nike Community Store now, located at the intersection of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues.