American Eagle Opens Sneaker Pop Up Shop In New York, Followed By Outrage
G-Roc
And a lot of people have mixed feelings about the partnership.
There is A LOT of money in the sneaker industry, and that includes reselling sneakers. Flight Club has survived for years for a reason. eBay was once the go-to place online for a reason. Stadium Goods, GOAT, Grailed, StockX, and many, many more are in business for a reason.
Foot Locker recently shocked the world by announcing its $100 Million investment in GOAT app. Something tells me this is just the beginning.
American Eagle Outfitters recently partnered with Las Vegas based sneaker consignment shop Urban Necessities. The partnership's focus is a sneaker pop up shop at American Eagle's 599 Broadway location.
The pop up shop is powered by Urban Necessities, and serves as UN's newest location.
This power move is smart BUSINESS on both ends, right? I'll admit, it's weird knowing you can cop "heat" at American Eagle, but I understand why both brands decided to partner.
However, this move has upset a few people, including Jeff Staple who recently shared his thoughts:
"Need your honest opinion here on this one... American Eagle Outfitters is a publicly traded retailer that does about $4 billion in sales annually covering about 1,000 stores & employing 24,000 people.
This week, ppl started pinging me saying, “Yo, you’re selling your Pigeons at americaneagle?!”
So I walk by their Soho flagship location and literally lost my breath seeing my Panda Pigeon & Black Pigeon Dunk sitting front & center in the main window display! On the side of the building? A huge billboard with cncpts Purple Lobsters, djkhaled Jordan’s & other high heat kicks.
I do some digging and realize they have “collaborated” (aka invested in) a reseller store because: “Sneakers are about self-expression. Our brand is built on individual style...We have the second-largest (U.S.) jeans business (after Walmart). Jeans and sneakers are great pairs.”
Ohkayyyy...So because this $4bil dollar retailer now decided sneaker & street culture are “trending”, they get to throw logos of other brands all over their store without permission?
Does this mean if they partner with a handbag reseller next month, they can put LV & Hermès handbags in their windows and marketing campaigns?
In my opinion, this really skirts the line between what’s legal, what’s moral, what’s ethical and what’s just plain wack.
Would love to hear your thoughts...🤔"
Word for word, that's what Jeff Staple had to say.
Of course his post started a debate with some people agreeing with him, while others feel he's simply hating.
Read a few comments below:
As Brendan Dunne, co-host of Full Size Run mentions, Jaysse Lopez aka Two Js explained the partnership during his visit to the talk show. Watch below for more info.
Now here's where you come in: HOW DO YOU FEEL about this partnership?
Let's talk about it in the comments section.
Share your thoughts on the American Eagle Sneaker Pop Up Shop In New York
