In Orlando, more than 100 deputies in riot gear quelled a crowd awaiting the release of the $220 Foamposite Galaxy. At a mall in Hyattsville, Md., one person was arrested for disorderly conduct. And in Greenwood, Ind., police said they canceled a Nike release after 400 to 600 people showed up Thursday night at a mall and were "panicking to get to the front of the line." The shoe's release coincides with this weekend's NBA All-Star Game in Orlando.
 |
| Image Credit: http://www.sfgate.com |
The shoes, part of a space-themed collection, are a draw for so-called sneakerheads who collect signature sports footgear and then resell it online at a marked-up price, sometimes for hundreds more than retail.
Malls in Florida, New York and Maryland reported bringing in police to manage fans clamoring for the purple-and-blue shoes, which have starlike flecks of white. Some shoppers lucky enough to get their hands on a pair immediately posted them for sale on eBay at skyrocketing prices: $1,000 and up.
Authorities did have some warning the shoe could cause mayhem. Earlier this month, police were called to a mall outside Albany after pushing and shoving broke out during a promotional event for the shoe.
Orlando resident Gaby Llanos was in the crowd waiting to buy two pairs of the shoes when the rush started outside Florida Mall.
"It was complete havoc," said Llanos, 23.
Nike issued a statement Friday, saying, "As with the launch of all Nike products, consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner."
The shoes - which are being sold at Nike stores and select Foot Lockers, House of Hoops and Foot Action stores - are part of the Nike's Foamposite line which originally debuted in 1998. Their outer-space theme is a nod to Florida, the host state for the All-Star game, and the longtime launching pad for the nation's space program.
Nike has relied for years on its limited edition sneakers to generate a lot of buzz with minimal advertising.
"They keep them very limited, they keep them very hot that way," said Sam Poser, an analyst who covers Nike and the shoe industry.
Posted in: 
0 comments:
Post a Comment