In August, before the start of the current NBA season, I wrote about the remarkable venture of the New York Knicks’ point guard, Stephon Marbury to launch a line of sneakers for $14.98. To make the point that these were quality shoes, he has been wearing them throughout this NBA season. Marbury’s purpose in this venture is to transform the “shoe culture” of urban kids who can spend $180 for a pair of Air Jordon XX1. As Marbury said, “Two hundred to buy a pair of sneakers, that’s groceries for a week.”
As I mentioned, this “shoe culture” is just part of a culture that is pursuing extreme consumption in all industries. It was challenging to me that Marbury would take on this aspect of our culture. So much of our thinking in business strategy and innovation is about how to create more and more consumers who will climb up the so-called value chain. But perhaps Marbury is showing us that it is good strategy and innovation to do good, to counter the prevailing trends that convert people into “consumers”, something less than a whole and biblical view of what it means to be human.
The NBA season is about half over and so how is the Marbury shoe line doing? Quite well. According to this article in USA Today, Marbury recently began wearing his second design, the Starbury Team, which also sells for $14.98. According to Howard Schacter of Steve and Barry’s which launched the line and is the exclusive distributor, they thought the initial product run would last a few months, but “sold out in just a few days.” The shoe makes up 80% of the sales for Steve and Barry’s even though it represents only 10% of their merchandise.
Marbury is quoted as saying that the shoes sales have been a “blessing.” He continues, saying, “It’s definitely way more than what anybody anticipated. By us doing something that wasn’t money-driven, it just took off, created its own legs.” To which I say, “Congratulations.”
In the months ahead, the product line will expand to include a women’s shoe line.
Marbury has also donated more than 3,000 pairs to schools in New York City, including Cardozo High School in Queens coached by Ron Naclerio. As the article states,
“In a way, life has come full circle for Marbury. Naclerio, who coached a younger Marbury…gave Marbury a pair of sneakers when he was in sixth grade.”
As you think about launching a new business or developing innovations for your current business, why not use Marbury’s example to explore other directions that may seem to fly in the face of conventional wisdom. Stop viewing people as “consumers” to whom we must constantly upsell. Create great value. Represent true Values (with a capital V). Really see people as being made in the image of God and treat them accordingly.
What will be the “$14.98 sneaker” you create?
P.S. Last time we wrote on this we were inundated with requests as to where to buy these shoes. They are sold exclusively at Steve and Barry’s. Here’s the link.
Comments (22)
yo!!!!!!
this shoe is cool but it is so CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THEY REMIND ME OF SHAQS
affordable!!!!!
iT’S ABLESSING TO HAVE AN ATHLETE CREATE THIS FOR THE LESS PRIVELEGED. AS A GRAD STUDENT $$$$ CAN’T GO ON $100-$200 SNEAKERS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. tHANKS FOR THE CONSIDERATION.
Mind over matter.
The advertising executives are doing their job well. They make you think that buying a good pair of shoes for $15 isn’t worth it…..they deserve a bonus and raise.
Great Sneakers
Stephon
You are blessed and when that happens, nothing but good can result from that. I just purchased a pair and they feel great and with the price, they do feel like a pair of $90.00 dollar sneakers
Thanks
P.S.
Thanks for your contribution to the club this season. I’m a fan no matter what. You and Curry are Definitely ALL-Stars
My kind of price!
Stephon Marbury you are truly a blessing to the less fortunated people. And the tennis shoes are strong and stylish! May God continue to bless you always.
THE 15.00 SHOE!
HEARD ABOUT THEM ON KDKA RADIO-GREAT IDEA-CAN’T WAIT TO GET THEM FOR MYSELF AND MY KIDS!
jhh
these are really nice shoes and i hope they get more color ways. i think the shoe has zoom air units in the forefoot
Thanks
Wow these are awesome shoes I WANT SOME!!!!!!!
i lov them
i love them they r just as good as jordans.
thank you
I bought my kids jordans, but they saw your commercials. Saw your vidoe in Steve and Barrys and wanted some of your shoes…my sons love em..thanks
sweet
they look sweet gimmie some
cheers!!
Good shoes! Good price! Good sense! Take it from a Mom!
ugly
i wouldnt were deez shoes
Starbury shoes
I bouth them for all the kids I know..and for me and my husband, too bad they aren’t in infant and toddlers, but one day my two little ones will wear them, too!!!!
slamming
I Think his sneakers are very special. great for the kids in our community. I will like to thank all people involved in created a reasonable product.
marbury shoes
CHEAP/NICE/COOL
You Are Awesome
I just got back from IRAQ and my daughter told me about your $15.00 shoes and i thought what a wonderful thing to see a American give to the low income familys who can’t afford expensive shoes and i said to myself that is why i don’t have a problem going to IRAQ to fight for this beautiful country we live in.So hats off to you from SGT. "K’
where can i buy them!
Which store carries them I searched at footlocker.com and i still had trouble finding them.can someone help on this heres my e-mail rallygbrs@yahoo.com I would like to get me and my son a pair.
thanks,
josh
rallygbrs@yahoo.com
starbury shoes
I bought some and they feel just like nikes or jordans.
Blessing!!!
This is just amazing! Getting a quality shoe at an affordable price! This shoe has the look most of us are looking for and more. Keep up the good work and you will continue to be blessed.
shoes
i love the shoes because i cant afford expensive ones i got some starbury a while ago i really like them
Inspiration to all
Marbury is an inspiration to every person who obtains fame and fortune - if they are paying attention. The world would be a better place if everyone followed his lead.