Sneaker Pawn Shop Opens In Harlem
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Sneakers such as Air Jordans are big business, and now a father and son have teamed up to open the first-ever sneaker pawn shop in Harlem.
Three hundred sneakers line the walls of Sneaker Pawn.
"These go for $1,200," said co-owner Chase Reed.
"Pawn your car, pawn valuable items and now you can do that with pricey, collectible sneakers," said Reed's father and Sneaker Pawn co-owner Troy Reed.
The father-son team have transformed their old Harlem apartment into a shop specializing in high-end sneakers, making it easier for the two who typically buy and sell online, CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported.
"Sneaker selling is one of the biggest markets for teens, even adults," said customer Qua Day.
You could credit the 1980s and Michael Jordan for birthing the so-called "Sneakerhead" culture.
Though Jordan is retired, thousands still line up for new limited edition Air Jordans.
Back in December, crowds smashed down the doors of an Ohio mall while waiting for the newest release, Gainer reported.
Troy and Chase used to be those people waiting in long lines.
"We were staying out there from at least 12 at night to like 8 o'clock in the morning," Troy said. But no more.
"I'm definitely seeing a lot of sneakers I've never seen before," Chase said.
So how does the pawn shop work?
When you enter Sneaker Pawn with a used pair of sneakers, there are a couple of ways the shop will evaluate them, including how the sneakers smell, Gainer reported.
"Nobody wants to put their foot in a nasty inside," Chase explained.
"We check for heel burns and suede; like right here, the value definitely went down in this sneaker because of the front of the suede," said Chase.
The pair also refurbish the kicks that need it.
And as for the best part of the father-son business?
"Having my father mentor me and guide me," Chase said.
"Me and him are just like Kobe Bryant and Shaq in their good days," Troy said.
But of course, they're hoping this partnership has a better outcome.
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