I can just see a new section added to the Just For Feet stores.
Smelly Old Sneakers Can Bring Big Bucks
February 27, 1998
POINT RICHMOND, Calif.
The Japanese really want your smelly old basketball shoes but they don't just want the latest style from Nike and Adidas, "they want the vintage stuff -- Nike Dunks, 1985 Air Jordans, and Adidas Superstar sneakers," said Max Shapiro, owner of "Green for Jeans," a clothing recycling company in Point Richmond.
Shapiro is holding the first ever "3-day sneaker buy" in the Bay Area this weekend. "We are ready to hand out up to $500 for the right kind of sneakers and up to $1,000 for old vintage jeans," said Shapiro.
While the demand is almost exclusive for Dunks and Air Jordans, vintage Nike running shoes, military flight jackets and Japanese souvenir jackets have value -- and a new trend to watch for -- Patagonia jackets.
Green For Jeans will buy sneakers and vintage Levis, Lee and Wrangler jeans and jackets at The Clarion Hotel, 401 East Millbrae Avenue in Millbrae and the Park Plaza Hotel, 150 Hegenberger Road in Oakland, Friday, February 27 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Both locations).
The idea that someone would actually want to buy used shoes may seem hard to believe but the rage for old sneakers among Japanese teens is exploding! " The youngsters are eager to own a piece of Americana and are willing to spend hundreds of dollars to buy something unique to wear," said Shapiro.
Part of the proceeds from the sneaker buy will be donated to the Warriors Foundation, Save San Francisco High School Sports and the San Mateo County Special Olympics.
For more details and questions regarding merchandise, please call
510-233-1500.
SOURCE Green For Jeans
/CONTACT: Kathy Jacobson of Green For Jeans, 510-735-1015/ |
