Baron Davis & Li-Ning Open Portland Showroom

words & images_Nick DePaula After dominating the Chinese market to the tune of $1 Billion in sales this year, which also happens to be their 20th Anniversary, Li-Ning has now entered the American market with the opening of their very first US retail location in Portland's Pearl District. The brand pulled out all the stops earlier tonight, as Portland Mayor Sam Adams was even on hand for the official ribbon cutting, joining Baron Davis and Li-Ning General Manager Jay Li for the ceremonial grand opening. "Portland is the epicenter of athletic footwear," said Li. "It is a great testing ground for us to introduce the brand and ease into our international presence." With a crowd of thirty people waiting outside to buy a pair of Baron's signature BD Doom sneakers, there was an added bonus as they also went home with an autographed Baron Davis vinyl figure. If you're wondering where you can find Li-Ning products outside of Portland, during the event, Jay Li announced the brand's partnership with Champs Sports, the second largest retailer in the Foot Locker family. In August of this year, Li-Ning footwear and apparel will be carried in fifty Champs mall doors along the west coast. Below you'll find an interview with Baron Davis that took place during the invite-only m...