eBay honors Air Jordan sneakers with omnichannel pop-up
eBay is giving sneaker fans a chance to “be like Mike” – in-store or online.
The e-commerce platform is launching “The '85 Shop,” a new retail pop-up store opening in Chicago that pays tribute to the original Air Jordan 1 sneaker released by Nike in 1985 and worn by Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
The shop features a complete collection of original Air Jordan 1s in every colorway, and a never-before-released Air Jordan 1 sample, alongside other popular sneakers of the era like the Puma Clyde and Adidas Forum.
Shoppers can visit The '85 Shop in Chicago on Thursday, April 6 and Friday, April 7. There will also be a 10-day online auction of Air Jordan 1 shoes and related merchandise commencing Wednesday, April 5.
eBay curated The '85 Shop in partnership with several of its top sneaker sellers, including Jordan Geller of ShoeZeum and SoleStage. Both of these sellers will also go live on eBay from the Chicago pop-up store starting at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 6.
“The Air Jordan 1 changed the shoe game forever and ushered in the modern era of sneaker culture," said Garry Thaniel, Global GM of Sneakers at eBay. "The '85 Shop gives the community the chance to celebrate one of the most iconic and enduring sneakers ever created, and even own a piece of history."
eBay targets sneaker fans with pop-up stores
The ’85 Shop is not eBay’s first sneaker-themed pop-up. The retailer operated the “Wear ‘Em Out Store” in Los Angeles during Memorial Day Weekend 2022. The store featured some of eBay’s most popular sneaker styles at discounts of up to 70% off market price, with lower prices for shoppers who literally wear their purchases out the door. Rap musician and sneaker influencer Offset helped to curate the assortment.
With this latest planned pop-up promotion, eBay continues to establish itself as a secure provider of collectible sneakers. eBay previously acquired the authentication business of Sneaker Con, a sneaker authenticator with operations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and Germany. This acquisition is an extension of an ongoing collaboration between eBay and Sneaker Con to support the e-tailer’s Authenticity Guarantee.
Launched in October 2020, the Authenticity Guarantee offers full vetting and verification of select sneakers bought on the marketplace by a team of Sneaker Con’s industry experts. Through this program, all new and pre-owned collectible sneakers sold on eBay for over $100 in the U.S. are fully vetted and verified by an independent team of industry experts. The launch of authentication for collectible sneakers also built upon eBay canceling selling fees on any sneaker purchase of $100 or more.