DEATH OF THE INDEPENDENT SNEAKER STORE

But the overall picture in the streetwear world is infinitely more complex than simply defining good and bad times. New York’s Classic Kicks has been around since 2002 and owner Nick Santora has seen it all. “You want to run a legit business in NYC with insurance and payroll and taxes? It’s nuts dude!”

Margins are another gripe. “People think we have 100% margins and must be rich! If only it were that easy!” said Nick from Apartment in Brisbane.

Frank Liew from Qubic & Quarters in Auckland thrives in one of the smallest markets in the world yet still travels relentlessly to hone his vision. “Independents were lucky to have been caught in a fast expanding trend and relied on ambient demand. There was little need to promote anything when people were banging on their door. No need to worry about sell-through, inventory levels, credit, margins and all the usual aspects of retail. It created a false sense of demand.” 

Money doesn’t grow on trees in other words – you better hustle if you wanna grab some. Mike from Packer Shoes in New Jersey is more concise. “Not everyone is the next Ralph Lifschitz!”

Randy Kleiner from the 400 in Denver closed his store recently. He found little understanding when crunch time came. “We had big plans, serious ambition, unlimited energy, great support and ample talent to pull it off.  We pushed hard and to this day believe that we did the best we could but ultimately, we did not have resources in place to push a young, specialized business through the stiffest economic period this generation will know.”