Last Friday Time International Co. Ltd. Officially opened the Urban Jungle House of Sports, a concept store on The Strand, Sliema, further building on the Urban Jungle brand which has been around for 20 years.
Since its inception in 1993, the first Urban Jungle store in Bisazza Street, Sliema carried mostly Nike and Converse products. Fast forward two decades and this local franchise has mushroomed both nationally and internationally including brands such as Nike, Converse, Hurley, Asics, Oakley, Vans, New Era, Havaianas and Crocs.
At present, Urban Jungle has 31 stores in Malta and Italy. In North Africa, Time international is brand ambassador for Nike and is considered as the largest Nike distributor for the entire continent of Africa.
The Urban Jungle House of Sport concept store marks a new chapter in the Urban Jungle history book, not just as a new store opening but as a new concept store on the islands – a House of Sport.
“Through this new concept we are further committing ourselves to the fact that we live and breathe sport and not just on a track or field. Sport is born on the street and further nurtured on the playing field or track. This is the idea behind the new concept of our store,” comments Time International Sports Co Ltd Operations Manager Michael Naudi.
This concept is reflected in the new store’s design – with the use of bricks, polished concrete, metal and cement as its main elements to give the shop a grassroots feel.
“We’re not in it just to sell,” added Mr. Naudi, “Urban Jungle is highly regarded in the constant support it provides to further the improvement of various sport disciplines. We partner up and sponsor many of the Island’s leading sports clubs. We also help out and sponsor various events such as the much accredited Malta Marathon, the Mdina to Spinola Race and The Urban Jungle triathlon.”
The opening of the store was inaugurated by Carol Walsh, wife of the late John Walsh. Mr Walsh was well known in the sporting community for his major contribution to road running. Many will remember him as an athletics coach utterly dedicated to his athletes. Mr. Walsh was a firm believer in the Nike brands and Urban Jungle felt there was no better place to pay tribute to an ex colleague, good friend and one of the greatest athletics coaches.
In-keeping with the healthy theme, the event was catered by Posh Nosh and Dr. Juice. Guests were entertained with great tunes spun by DJ Pillu, whilst a variety of classic super cars lined the Strand all bearing the Urban Jungle House of Sport Logo.