Sports Brand Wilson Opens Flagship Store in NYC

NEW YORK - Wilson Sporting Goods has been around since 1914 and although it calls the city of Chicago home, the brand traces its origins back to an old meatpacking company in New York City. It was, in fact, named after its founder and the head of said meatpacking company, Thomas E. Wilson. 

Over 100 years later, it’s quite fitting that Wilson has found itself back in NYC to open the doors of its New York flagship store. Esquire Philippines was there for the private launch held on Friday (January 21). Located on Broadway in fashionable SoHo, the store promises to cater to fans of the legendary brand that has been a leader in manufacturing athletic equipment and apparel that spans generations. Part-retail space, part-playground, the new store brings the customer experience back to basics and reminds us what it’s all about.

Photo by Mikko Abello.

A few hours before it was made available to the public at noon, invited guests got to experience the brand’s different sports products in stations set up all over the store. Each station of its Thomas E. Wilson Indoor Park had Wilson ambassadors on hand to walk guests through the experience and answer questions relating to the brand’s history as well as its latest products.

We were able to speak with New York Jets quarterback Mike White all about the NFL’s official ball, The Duke. LPGA Tour Pro and 2017 US Am Champion Sophia Schubert was also on hand together with Wilson Golf President Tim Clarke to talk about the latest clubs and golf balls from the brand and allowed guests to test them out at the in-house simulator. Wilson International Stringing Team Director Ron Rocchi talked to us about the brand’s world-class selection of performance tennis racquets and showed us stringing done on-site.

Photo by Mikko Abello.

Meanwhile, master craftsman Shigeaki Aso was at the baseball station together with the rest of Wilson’s Glove Team to customize gloves and help with any questions about the wide selection of Pro Stock gloves that were available in-store. The final station was an opportunity for guests to test their game at the store’s basketball court with NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley with the NBA’s official ball that debuted at the beginning of the season.

It was a fun morning of interactive sports activities and learning from the experts all while exploring Wilson’s impressive new home in Manhattan. Guests could also avail of laser personalization of purchased basketballs, footballs, and golf balls. Aside from the premium gear, Wilson's collection of fashionably functional sportswear is definitely worth updating your wardrobe for. Some personalities spotted enjoying Friday morning’s festivities and shopping for threads were WNBA All-Star Betnijah Laney of the New York Liberty, St. John’s University forward Aaron Wheeler, and Bowie State quarterback DJ Golatt. 

Check out some photos of the flagship store here:

Photo by Mikko Abello.

Photo by Mikko Abello.

Photo by Mikko Abello.

Photo by Mikko Abello.

The Wilson New York flagship store is located at 594 Broadway in New York City and is now open to the public. Also visit Wilson Sports Philippines.