5 minute read
ROYAL KICKS
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Located in the heart of Boston, Sneaker Junkies stands proudly, as a true bastion for sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts. The store’s exterior is not all that notable; it looks a lot like a brownstone you might find in a neighborhood such as the South End. However, it is the store’s interior that is sure to turn heads. If you are familiar with LeBron James’ cover story for GQ back in October of 2017, Sneaker Junkies’ Boston location echoes the same sentiment: sneakers and streetwear can be styled for royalty or great distinction.
Co-owner Bilal Jabar was kind enough to speak at length about the location. Jabar has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been a part of a number of smaller ventures but has always been interested in sneakers and streetwear. In short, he has a business-centric mind and has exhibited his entrepreneurial spirit time and time again.
Sneaker Junkies presents the idea that sneakers are a luxury and highly sought-after commodities in a very literal way. The interior of the store is fashioned after a palace. Picture this: a marble floor, gold ceilings, and well-crafted details from every angle. Taking notice of the hand-carved doors and antique chandeliers. The Boston location includes not only those details but plush red thrones with gold carvings to sit in and try on prospective sneakers.
Jabar also alluded to the mystique of Newbury Street and the notable reputation associated with it. Many retailers believe they have “made it” when they open their doors in the area. It is hard to deny this feeling as the name itself does suggest a standard of quality and excellence.
It is important to note that there are two locations in addition to the storefront on Newbury Street. These locations are more modern and sleek. They have a sense of continuity as a pair; they do not challenge your expectations of how a boutique carrying sneakers presents itself.
Sneaker Junkies opened its doors in 2007 at 251 Weybosset Street, in Providence, Rhode Island’s downtown area. Suddenly, that market was introduced to exclusive streetwear, sneakers, and accessories where there was previously a vacuum. Come 2009, the space was not big enough to accommodate growing clientele, and things were relocated to Providence’s East Side. More specifically on Thayer Street, in the center of Brown University’s campus, where shoppers can find a single baby blue throne, a harbinger of what was to come at the Boston location.
All of which led to Sneaker Junkies’ third location. It originated in the summer of 2019, at 976 Chapel Street, right across from Yale University. Architecturally speaking, this is the most impressive of the trio, establishing a pattern between locations and their close proximity to Ivy League schools.
These days, sneakers are a massive business. In 2020, the global sneaker market was valued at approximately $79 billion, and in 2026, it’s projected to reach $120 billion, according to a Fast Company article. Sneakers have truly become coveted, highly regarded items in recent years, where they were once merely a symbol of athleticism. It feels increasingly rare these days to find a retailer without an omnichannel strategy in place; Sneaker Junkies isn’t any sort of exception. The website has been kicking since 2007 and has most certainly evolved over time, whether deliberately or via extraneous circumstances like the boom of e-commerce.
“We’ve had an online presence pretty much since the beginning. But it’s just developed a lot more with time. After the first two years we established our online business, and every year since then, it’s just progressed and developed…[Today] I am short-staffed, so now I am working as a sales associate and [this is an example of] things you face in today’s market where it’s not easy to really find a lot of help,” Jabar said.
Jabar also mentioned he is often in communication with vendors, as well as acutely aware of inventory.
“I go to all three of our locations each week. I’m in a different state pretty much, almost every day. Instead of having a report sent to you, or someone telling it to you, you actually get to see it yourself,” Jabar said.
With that, it can be argued that having a handful of locations is an advantage Sneaker Junkies has over its Newbury Street neighbors.
who carry all sorts of merchandise at virtually every price point. Sneaker Junkies stands strong alongside these retailers with their attention to pricing and detail.
“Our product is more high-end. We have a premium product, but it’s at a fairly reasonable price compared to some of the other options on Newbury Street,” Jabar said.
When asked his favorite item in stock at the moment, Jabar asked if it could be from any location. After confirming it could be, he replied with the Nike Air Force 1 Low SP Familia, in warm colors red stone, and de sol. Interestingly enough, this sneaker has only been available for a few weeks, showing the ability of Sneaker Junkies to procure elusive, rare drops. The shoe is inspired by and fashioned for the Spanish-speaking world. Of the shoe, Jabar vocalized that some people aren’t too crazy about the shoe because of the colors, stating that they’re “a little more out there.” Due to his large personal sneaker collection, he shared that he’s much more receptive to a more vivid, rare-looking sneaker.
If you are looking for your newest statement piece, your go to kicks are looking particularly cooked lately, or you are looking for a shopping experience and customer service worthy of a royal, give Sneaker Junkies a try.
@sneakerjunkies; sneakerjunkiesusa.com
Spencer Vilisnki
Kylee (Left) Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe Belt: Thrifted For You Corset: Kiiix Online Pants: Global Thrift Store Boots: Fits the Vibe Mo (Middle) Long Sleeve: Salvage Angel Shirt: Salvage Angel Christopher (Right) Long Sleeve: Fits the Vibe (FRE) Shirt: Fits the Vibe Pants: Fits the Vibe Boots: Diversity Consignment Bracelet: SoWa Vintage Necklace: Kiiix Online Pants: Salvage Angel