This week, Nike unveiled its newest store in the form of its latest House of Innovation outlay in Paris.

There are only two other House of Innovation stores in the world – in New York and Shanghai – but this latest one was opened under the most unusual circumstances.

Cathy Sparks, global vice-president and general manager of Nike Direct stores, is based in Portland, US. She would normally be on the front line of any new store unveiling for the sports titan. But while she has been heavily involved in the development of the new store, being there for the opening was not possible in the current climate.