Shaquille O’Neal is breaking into beauty with the launch of his first namesake fragrance.
Rolling out across JC Penney stores, the basketball legend and sports analyst’s scent will be exclusive to the retailer for six months, building on an existing seven-year relationship through O’Neal’s XLG Big & Tall apparel line.
O’Neal’s 19-year basketball career saw him become a four-time NBA champion, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.
O’Neal has also released four rap albums, launched franchises of food giants Krispy Kreme and Auntie Anne’s, and developed the annual music festival Shaq’s Fun House.
O’Neal’s “sophisticated eau de toilette” opens with bergamot, grapefruit and black pepper.
Notes of cardamom, suede and benzoin sit at the heart, with tonka bean, amber and musk acting as the base.
The fragrance, packaged in a sleek black bottle featuring gold and copper tones and signed by O’Neal, will retail for US$55.
“This fragrance is all about presence,” said O’Neal.
“It’s strong, smooth and leaves a mark, just like I aim to do in everything I take on.
“I wanted something luxurious but still within reach, and this is it.”
Commenting on the launch, Jo Osborne, SVP, GMM Beauty, Center Core & Footwear at JCPenney, said: “Fragrance is one of the top-performing categories for JCPenney Beauty, and our customers love a great celebrity scent.
“Shaq has been an incredible partner to us through his Shaquille O’Neal XLG big and tall line, which has been a customer favourite for seven years.
“We are thrilled to grow that partnership by introducing his signature fragrance to our collection, as we continue to deliver affordable luxuries our customers love.”