Article and photos by Andrew Gobin, Tulalip news
Since the debut of Nike’s Air Jordans in 1985, sneakers have become more than necessary clothing, they are a social commodity. Wesley Monger, a young entrepreneur and Tulalip Tribal Member, aims to capitalize on the collectible shoe market with the opening of his first shoe store, Top Shelf, March 8th.
“There is a big online market for collectible merchandise, collectible shoes included. You really don’t see any places where you can go and sell or trade your shoes though. I thought, why not have a place to go and buy, sell, or trade your sneakers, rather than online,” said Monger.
He and his partner, Devante Edwards, both saw the need for a storefront location for the shoe market. On March 8th, after months of planning and preparation, they opened up Top Shelf, a unique store where patrons can buy, sell, and trade collectible sneakers.
“We had a pretty good opening day, and business is steadily picking up,” Monger said. Our website will be up in a few weeks, and then more people will know about us.”
The shop will potentially reach a wide range of customers, whether they are collectors or looking to make a fashion statement. Shoes range anywhere from $10 up to $600, varying in rarity and style.
The youth on the Tulalip Reservation may be some of his biggest customers, though some have concerns about trading shoes. When asked about their sneakers and the shop, students at Tulalip Heritage High School had interesting responses.
“That’s gross,” said Mikaylee Pablo. “What about all that fungus and athletes foot?”
Monger said, “All of our shoes are cleaned and disinfected when we get them.”
“I have six pairs of Jordans (Nike air Jordans), but I don’t think I would sell them in a shop. I wouldn’t get what I paid for them,” said Johnny Hendrix.
Hendrix raises an interesting point, how do sellers get a fair deal and the shop still make money?
“We offer comparable pricing. We look at ebay and shoe forums, and the condition of the shoe, to determine a fair price. Our offers start at about half of what the shoes are worth,” said Monger.
Right now, Monger and Edwards have no intentions of expanding Top Shelf to other footwear, such as women’s designer shoes, though they are constantly looking for ways to expand their customer base. With the launch of their website, they will begin trading and selling shoes online, though they will only purchase shoes brought to the store. Check out Top Shelf online at www.everetttopshelf.bigcartel.com or in store located at 3417 Broadway Ave Suite B Everett, WA 98201.
Andrew Gobin is a reporter with the See-Yaht-Sub, a publication of the Tulalip Tribes Communications Department.
Email: agobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov
Phone: (360) 716.4188