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Sneaker culture and the industry it birthed wouldn’t be where it is today without the Air Jordan 1. While other brands and their respective models played a significant role in the history of sneakers, the AJ1 and the legacy of Michael Jordan propelled sneakers into their current state.
To celebrate the Air Jordan 1, eBay has announced “The ’85 Shop” in Chicago as a testament to the silhouette & its cultural birthplace.
“The Air Jordan 1 changed the shoe game forever and ushered in the modern era of sneaker culture,” said Garry Thaniel, Global GM of Sneakers at eBay. “The ’85 Shop gives the community the chance to celebrate one of the most iconic and enduring sneakers ever created, and even own a piece of history.”
“The ’85 Shop” was curated in partnership with several of eBay’s top sneaker sellers, such as Jordan Geller of ShoeZeum as he provided many of the shoes and memorabilia that were featured in the Air film. Additionally, SoleStage curated an offering of modern Air Jordan 1s in retro colorways, as well as reissues of other classic basketball sneakers.
“We wanted to use this pop culture moment to celebrate the sneaker that started it all,” said Garry Thaniel, Global GM of Sneakers at eBay. “While ‘The ’85 Shop’ is not officially affiliated with the movie Air, we felt it was a unique opportunity for eBay, with the help of some of our top sellers, to bring the greatest collection of original Air Jordan 1s ever assembled to Chicago — the city where it all began.”
The installation features a holistic collection of original Air Jordan 1s in every colorway and a never-before-released Air Jordan 1 sample, alongside other iconic sneakers of the era like the PUMA Clyde and adidas Forum.
“In 2023, collectible sneakers are intertwined with pop culture — from casual neighborhood fits to the red carpet,” Thaniel said. “Today, the hottest sneaker releases are coveted by a diverse, ever-growing audience of devout collectors & casual wearers alike, and we’re thrilled to help grow that unique community with programs like ‘The ’85 Shop,'” he added.
eBay’s “The ’85 Shop” is designed with three offerings: online auction, in-store inventory, and display only.
Online Auction
The online auction includes a lot collection composed of 20 pairs of original 1985 Air Jordan 1 in every iteration/colorway; an unreleased 1985 Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” sample; numerous pairs of vintage, original Nikes from the era used in the production of the movie Air (offered individually), including numerous Waffle iterations (Elite, Trainer, Roadrunner, Centurion), a leather Cortez, Internationalist, and more; two Nike-branded executive briefcases from the era; game-worn PUMA Clydes from Wes Matthews; game-worn adidas Forum High from Alex English; and a white & red Converse One Star.
In-Store Inventory
Curated by SoleStage, the shop’s inventory consists of “Lost and Found” Air Jordan 1 High OGs, the OFF-WHITE x Air Jordan 1 High OG “UNC” colorway, Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low in the “Reverse Mocha” and “Phantom” colorways, and more.
Display Only
The displayed shoes consist of 20 pairs of unique variations of the Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago” colorway, including the original 1985 release, Spider-Man Origin Story, OFF-WHITE x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Chicago” colorway, collaboration, football cleats, and more.
Those interested can visit “The ’85 Shop” located at 1045 W Fulton Market in Chicago on April 6 and April 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT while the 10-day online auction will start on April 5 at 11 a.m. CT at ebay.com/the85shop. Additionally, Shoezeum and SoleStage will also go live on eBay from the store starting at 8 p.m. CT on April 6, giving enthusiasts & collectors everywhere the chance to shop the collection.
Through its three pillars, eBay’s “The ’85 Shop” serves as an experience unlike anything else.
“As a lifelong sneakerhead and former Chicagoan who used to line up at the local Nike shop to cop a pair of Jordans of his own, it’s hard to state just how significant ‘The ’85 Shop’ is to me personally & professionally,” Thaniel said. “I’m sure many sneakerheads agree — this feels like the culmination of years of growth as sneaker enthusiasm has become a huge part of the broader pop culture and fashion communities.”
“eBay has played an integral part in the growth of sneaker culture for nearly three decades, and we look forward to pouring our energy & passion into continuing that growth for the next thirty years & beyond,” he added.
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