At American Eagle's Manhattan location, consumers can now find an Urban Necessities pop-up, which takes the form of a sneaker resale store and a place to purchase special edition sneakers from name brands like Nike, adidas and Supreme—meaning that sneakers at the New York City pop-up range in price from $150 to $50,000. According to Chad Kessler, American Eagle's global brand president, "I am not sure everyone is in the market for a $50,000 sneaker. I am sure lots of people will be dying to come to the store and check them out."
In partnership with resale brand Urban Necessities, American Eagle is specifically appealing to Gen Z shoppers, who love sneakers and sneaker culture but also value sustainability and the chance to make second-hand purchases with ease.
Gen Z Sneaker Pop-Ups
American Eagle's Urban Necessities Resells Name-Brand Sneakers
Trend Themes
1. Sneaker Resale Pop-ups - Creating pop-up stores that focus on sneaker resales presents an opportunity for brands to tap into the growing demand for limited edition and second-hand sneakers.
2. Gen Z Sneaker Culture - Catering to the Gen Z demographic's passion for sneakers and sustainable fashion can lead to innovative collaborations and marketing strategies that resonate with this consumer group.
3. Second-hand Luxury Sneakers - The rise of second-hand luxury sneakers offers a disruptive opportunity for brands to tap into the increasing popularity of high-end sneaker resale market.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Fashion retailers can explore collaborations with sneaker resale brands and develop pop-up stores that cater to the demand for limited edition sneakers.
2. Resale Marketplaces - Resale marketplaces can expand their offerings to include curated selections of luxury sneakers, targeting the Gen Z demographic with a focus on sustainability.
3. Sustainable Fashion - The growing interest in sustainable fashion presents an opportunity for brands to promote the environmental benefits of second-hand luxury sneakers and align with Gen Z consumers' values.