A Wall Street analysts report released this week suggests that Nike, Inc. may soon announce the companys intent to open their own mall-based specialty stores. The report from Susquehanna Financial Group said that they had been able to verify, primarily through their “shopping center industry contacts,” that Nike is exploring the option to open a small number of mall-based specialty stores during calendar year 2007.
SIG said they had been advised that Nike is “actively looking” at 3,500 to 4,000 square foot boxes in prominent center court locations in “A” malls only, where stores typically generate $350+ per square foot. The report also said that the company is also looking at sites in non-anchor malls, similar to the centers that house a number of the companys “Goddess” womens retail units.
The Group said they also believe that Nike will test a new Jordan brand prototype store in the first half of 2007, suggesting they believe that the company has already signed a lease for a store in Harlem on 125th street. That store is expected to be approximately 4,000 square feet.
Susquehanna said the announcement of the new stores is likely to take place at Nikes February 6 analyst meeting.
