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Fanfare as Nike distributor opens its first flagship store in Nigeria

By our News Team | 2022

Global sportswear brand says a Lagos outlet has been years in the planning, but was disrupted by the pandemic.

In a vote of confidence in the premium retail sector in West Africa, global sports and lifestyle apparel brand Nike recently opened its first flagship store in Lagos, Nigeria.

The outlet, which occupies more than 500 sqm in the upmarket Ikeja City Mall, is the first of its kind in the region and its opening has been warmly welcomed by Nike, which has been planning a Nigerian store for several years but had its plans disrupted by the pandemic.

Retail Strategy

Photo courtesy of Hudson Nigeria

“We are extremely proud to open the Nike flagship store here in Lagos,” said Kieran Murphy, Country General Manager of Hudson Nigeria.

Hudson Nigeria is a subsidiary of Hudson Holdings Group, an international sports and fashion retailer and distributor. It is based in Malta and has representative offices in Morocco, Italy, Algeria, Nigeria and Cyprus. 

“Nigeria has had a strong role in the history of Nike, and this constitutes an important step for the presence of the brand on the continent. The fact that this is happening on the 50th anniversary of Nike only adds relevance to what we are doing and makes us embrace the future with confidence,” Murphy added.

A global standard of excellence

In his address at the gala opening event, he said customers in Nigeria could expect the global standard of excellence that Nike is known for. “It is a state-of-the-art store, and we are looking forward to welcoming our customers and delivering to them a great shopping experience,” he said.

You can watch Nigerian influencer @diana_enje and her TikTok video about the store opening here.

Giuseppe Crispino, Marketing Communications Manager for Hudson, noted that Nigerians have had a good relationship with the Nike brand for many years. The sportswear giant designed the 2018 FIFA World Cup jersey for Nigeria, while several Nike athletes and ambassadors were Nigerian.

“I think it was just time to come over. We are here now, with a home where we can welcome our customers and meet them face to face. I think the real work starts now. I see this as a kickoff for the things we can do for consumers,” Crispino said.

As part of its brand strategy for the market, Hudson said it planned to contribute to communities in Nigeria beyond retail. It also intended to increase its support of Nigerian sports and promote sporting events in schools.

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Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.