Golf legend Tiger Woods and renowned pop star Justin Timberlake, in collaboration with 8AM Golf, are about to elevate the sports bar experience. Their joint endeavor, "T-Squared", located on East 42nd Street, Manhattan, is poised to open its doors on September 20, perfectly timed with the much-anticipated Ryder Cup Tournament.
What's New:
Spanning a grand 22,000 square feet, "T-Squared" occupies almost an entire Manhattan block. Within its walls, patrons can indulge in four state-of-the-art Full Swing golf simulators, dine in plush dining spaces, roll strikes on one of the four bowling lanes, or tune into over 35 television screens. The pièce de résistance? A staggering 200-inch television screen, boasting the title of the largest indoor display in the Big Apple.
Why It Matters:
Emerging from a casual chat during a golf outing, the concept of "T-Squared" was born. In a press statement, Woods expressed, "Justin and I thought it would be cool to create a place that combines our favorite things and brings people together to just have a great time." He further shared that the duo had been keen on a joint project for quite some time.
Why You Should Care:
If you're thinking, "Hasn't Woods ventured into this realm before?" – you're right. Tiger Woods is the brains behind the entertainment-centric mini-golf venture, PopStroke, which has made its mark across seven locations in three states since its debut in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 2019. Designed to rival TopGolf, PopStroke offers all-day passes ranging between $20 to $30, presenting a competitive alternative to TopGolf's hourly pricing, which starts at $47 in locales like Los Angeles County.
Furthermore, Woods' PopStroke is set to expand its horizon with 11 impending venues, spanning four additional states, including Nevada, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Notably, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama branch faced a delay in its opening, attributed to design modifications.
With "T-Squared", Woods and Timberlake seem to be on course to offer Manhattan a premium blend of entertainment, dining, and golfing – all under one roof.
Credit: https://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/tiger-woods-justin-timberlake-partner-to-open-new-york-city-sports-bar-featuring-golf-bowling-and-more/ (Porter)
MINISO to Unveil First UK 'Blind Box' Store in Central London
Internationally recognized retailer MINISO is primed to introduce its debut UK 'blind box' outlet on the bustling Shaftesbury Avenue, London, come 29th September 2023. A cornucopia of over 50 unique blind boxes awaits consumers, accompanied by acclaimed co-branded collections with distinguished IP proprietors, encapsulating the allure of Sanrio characters, Disney Pixar, Winnie the Pooh, and numerous others.
What's New:
Spanning an expansive 40m², the new MINISO hub, its premiere in the heart of London, promises more than mere blind boxes. The establishment is also poised to feature a discerningly selected assortment of MINISO's crowd-favorite indigenous merchandise, notably their plush toys and an array of accessories.
Inaugural events planned for the store's unveiling encompass an interactive session with MINISO's cherished mascot, PenPen, an invigorating live drummer performance, and the distribution of goody bags to those in attendance.
Why It Matters:
MINISO's venture into the 'blind box' retail space underscores the evolving dynamics of modern-day shopping. MINISO COO, Saad Usman, expounds on this, noting, “The unknown element of blind boxes adds mystery and excitement to the shopping experience and we’re delighted to be bringing this special store to London. Blind boxes are now a major part of our global strategy.”
Why You Should Care:
MINISO's unveiling of its Shaftesbury Avenue 'blind box' locale is emblematic of the company's relentless global outreach endeavors, as it steadfastly journeys to establish itself as a quintessential global lifestyle name.
Hailing from Guangzhou, MINISO's global footprint currently stretches over a whopping 5,800 stores. The UK alone is home to over 20 of these outlets, with prominent cities like London, Manchester, and Nottingham playing host. A pivot in brand positioning was observed in 2022 when MINISO transitioned from its Japanese brand image, addressing feedback from its Chinese clientele.
Signifying robust fiscal health, MINISO recently announced a commendable 4.5% uptick in its Q1 FY23 revenue.
Credit: https://www.retail-insight-network.com/news/miniso-first-blind-box-store-uk/ (Jenns)
Kiyan Anthony Steps into the Endorsement Limelight with PSD Collaboration
Basketball prodigy Kiyan Anthony, already acclaimed not just for his family's legacy but also his impressive basketball prowess, embarks on his first-ever Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) journey. On Thursday, he unveiled an endorsement deal with PSD, a renowned underwear and activewear label. In a unique twist, Anthony has co-designed a line alongside the brand, marking his maiden venture into the world of brand collaborations.
What's New:
Kiyan Anthony, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard currently at Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.), is immersing himself in a fresh endeavor, merging his sense of style and passion for basketball with PSD's design sensibilities.
“I am very excited for my first-ever partnership with PSD. It’s more than just a partnership; it’s a collaboration that represents my style and my love of basketball,” Kiyan shared enthusiastically. “Together, we’re going to redefine what it means to be comfortable and confident both on and off the court.”
Why It Matters:
Being the progeny of NBA luminary Carmelo Anthony and media personality La La Anthony, Kiyan's journey into endorsements, while inevitable, still holds significance. He credits his parents, both celebrities in their own right, for guiding him in navigating the limelight and managing potential pressures associated with fame.
“My parents have always told me to ignore the critics, always focus on the positive, and not to get caught up in the negative,” he divulged. “They have taught me to always stay humble, work hard, and give back to my community and people in need.”
While Kiyan is PSD's sole high school athlete endorsee, he joins an elite roster of sports legends like Bronny James (LeBron James’ son), Jimmy Butler, Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Marshawn Lynch, illustrating the brand's affinity for partnering with athletes with a generational impact.
Why You Should Care:
This isn't just another endorsement deal. It symbolizes the passing of the baton, with the new generation echoing the zeal and commitment of the previous one. PSD Co-Founder and CEO, Curt Flaitz, highlights this sentiment, stating, “It’s another testament to the brand’s longevity when the next generation has the same excitement as the generation before them.”
As a top-40 player in the class of 2025 and the No. 6 shooting guard, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, Kiyan's journey is only beginning. Already boasting 17 college offers from prestigious institutions, including Memphis, Michigan, and Tennessee, the young star is poised for greater heights, especially after his recent transfer to Long Island Lutheran from Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.).
Credit: https://usatodayhss.com/2023/kiyan-anthony-signs-nil-deal-with-psd (Newman)
Apparel Group and Marquee Brands Join Forces in a Groundbreaking Multi-Brand Licensing Deal
Apparel Group, the Dubai-based global fashion leader, has inked an impressive multi-brand licensing agreement with Marquee Brands LLC. This deal will introduce five of Marquee's distinguished brands—BCBG™, Ben Sherman™, Bruno Magli™, Sur la table™, and Martha Stewart™—to the thriving markets of GCC and India.
What's New:
The partnership will allow regions with a combined GDP exceeding 5 trillion USD to familiarize themselves with the unique offerings of these five brands. Reflecting both companies' aspirations to cater to the rising demand for both luxury and contemporary products in these territories, the collaboration seeks to diversify consumer choices and enrich the style spectrum.
Heath L. Golden, President of Marquee Brands, highlighted the importance of this venture, stating, “Our partnership with Apparel Group is pivotal in our drive to broaden our brand categories and reach. By introducing these brands to GCC and India, we're tapping into a potential customer base of nearly 1.5 billion."
Echoing the sentiment, Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, added, “Teaming up with Marquee Brands cements our ambition to be the heart of global fashion in GCC and India. Our alliance not only widens our retail presence but revolutionizes the regional fashion panorama, creating new standards for consumers.”
Why It Matters:
This strategic alliance promises to reshape fashion benchmarks, fostering a globally-inspired, yet locally-resonant fashion ethos. The synergy between Marquee's brand expertise and Apparel Group's regional know-how guarantees a more vibrant retail scene for the fashion-savvy audiences of GCC and India.
Why You Should Care:
For industry stakeholders and consumers alike, this partnership signifies a new era of global-local fashion collaborations. By combining global brand power with regional retail mastery, it ensures a richer, more diversified shopping experience, setting new industry standards for excellence and innovation.