Shopping among legends in Shanghai
The newly opened NBA Champions-themed Family Mart shop in Shanghai has just welcomed its most famous customer — 10-time All-Star David Robinson.
Making his third trip to China, the former San Antonio Spur visited the store on Thursday, interacting with fans and even giving some one-on-one basketball lessons.
The shop, the result of a partnership between the NBA, Family Mart and instant food and beverage brand Master Kong, features signed jerseys of greats like Stephen Curry and Yao Ming, as well as a wax figure of Shaquille O’Neal.
“Very nice! I know it’s hard to get the signature jerseys,” remarked Robinson. “I don’t know how many players have been to China, but it’s certainly fun for me to be here and meet the fans.”
Robinson, widely considered one of the NBA’s greatest ever centers, clearly enjoyed the experience. Only two groups of fans were scheduled to have shooting training with him originally, but the 52-year-old two-time Olympic champion insisted on having more people join the session.
The store stocks a limitededition Master Kong drink, featuring the image of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid — a megastar in the making, reckons Robinson.
“Embiid is amazing. The young guy is learning. He’s growing and getting better and the Sixers are getting better,” he said. “You guys pick the good young guy to do that. He’s gonna be the face of the league for many years.”
And Robinson joked: “That would be cool if I got a bottle with my image on it and I don’t play anymore!”
Master Kong, meanwhile, is planning more NBA-related fun for fans in the near future.
“The NBA is a super IP (intellectual property) around the world and during the time of the NBA Finals, such activity attracts the attention of young people,” said Kate Bai, Master Kong’s senior brand manager.
“Just like the NBA, our brand also focuses on the younger generation. Through the cooperation with the NBA, we have created a lot of popular activities for our young customers.
“In the future, we are looking forward to having more activities like this. After the NBA Finals, we will have this year’s NBA China Games in the next few months. And with more NBA stars coming here, more activities are scheduled.”