Reselling in the sneaker game is nothing new, however, recent fiascos regarding some of the most hyped releases have caused Nike to take a firm and public stance against those who are gaming the system in order to profit. Earlier this year, Nike’s Terms & Conditions were amended to include language explicitly targeting bots and resellers with repercussions already being seen online. We previously interviewed an individual who was banned from purchasing Nike Dunks on nike.com after ordering upwards of 60 pairs in the last two years, though these measures aren’t exclusively going to affect online customers. In an email shared by PDX’s Stuff on Twitter, it appears that Nike is cracking down on those getting into their Employee Store in Oregon.
In the aforementioned email, the Investigations Department at Nike informed an individual that “As a result of your past shopping behavior(s), Nike hereby informs you that you are no longer allowed to shop at the Nike Company stores.” These Company Stores allow Nike employees, their friends, and those on a Nike Beneficiary list to purchase products at a discount from their typical retail prices - essentially a dream for someone who is looking to resell products or game the system by adding on extra coupons to the deeply discounted products offered at these locations.
To get inside the store located in Beaverton, Oregon, you’ll either have to be employed by Nike or any of its subsidiary brands, have an employee add you to the entry list, or receive a guest pass from an employee. Once you actually enter the store, you’re typically told what the purchase limit is for the day which can vary depending on when you swing by. However, if you have multiple people that can get into the store, Nike counts each person separately towards the limit. This, on top of stacking discount codes, means one could score some in-season Nike gear for ultra-cheap using these tactics. And it seems the individual who received this ban was possibly participating in reselling activities and using similar methods.
The email even offers a warning that “Nike may permanently ban you from all Nike and affiliated properties,” a staunch approach that showcases The Swoosh isn’t messing around anymore. Recently, inventory has begun to pile up and production numbers are set to be slashed next year as a result of a downturn in demand. So, any way Nike can save cash and squeeze out those who game the system will help not only the company itself but also average consumers who are looking to secure sneakers. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via PDX's Stuff
