After nearly a decade of serving sneaker enthusiasts, stadium Goods is bidding farewell to its iconic New York City store. Nestled in the vibrant heart of SoHo at 47 Howard Street, the store has been a go-to destination for rare and highly sought-after sneakers, cementing its place in the city’s sneaker culture.
The decision to close the doors of this beloved location comes as the company shifts its focus toward digital growth.In a statement to Footwear News, the senior vice president and general manager of Stadium goods explained, “The lease term was coming up and we decided not to renew. our business is primarily through digital channels, so that’s where Stadium Goods is focusing investment to drive growth. But simultaneously occurring, we’re planning to transform our market center at 412 Broadway so that we can both intake new products from sellers and offer an elevated retail experience in the same space.”
Since its grand opening on October 16, 2015, the Lower Manhattan store, co-founded by john McPheters and Jed Stiller, has been a cornerstone of the sneaker community. In February 2022, the space underwent a significant renovation, expanding to 2,860 square feet and adding a new entrance at 305 Canal Street. This upgrade provided shoppers with more room to explore and discover their next prized pair of kicks.
Stadium Goods’ journey has been marked by significant milestones. In 2018, the company was acquired by Farfetch Limited for $250 million USD, and last year, the e-commerce luxury platform was purchased by South Korean retail giant Coupang for $500 million USD.As the brand pivots to prioritize its online presence, the closure of the SoHo store symbolizes the end of an era for in-person sneaker shopping in the city.
While the physical store might potentially be closing, Stadium Goods remains committed to delivering exceptional service and rare finds through its digital platforms. The company’s evolution reflects the changing landscape of retail, where e-commerce continues to dominate. For sneakerheads and collectors, the legacy of the SoHo store will undoubtedly live on, even as the brand charts a new course in the digital realm.
How will Stadium Goods’ digital platforms impact the future of sneaker shopping?
Table of Contents
- 1. How will Stadium Goods’ digital platforms impact the future of sneaker shopping?
- 2. End of an Era: Stadium Goods Closes Iconic SoHo Store to Focus on Digital Growth
- 3. An Exclusive Interview with Alex Carter, Former Store Manager of Stadium Goods soho
- 4. Q: alex, the SoHo store has been a cornerstone of sneaker culture in New York City. How does it feel to see it close after nearly a decade?
- 5. Q: The decision to close the store has been attributed to a focus on digital growth. Can you elaborate on that shift?
- 6. Q: The SoHo store underwent a major renovation in 2022.what was the impact of that upgrade?
- 7. Q: Stadium Goods has had quite the journey, from its acquisition by farfetch to its purchase by Coupang. How have these milestones shaped the brand?
- 8. Q: As the retail landscape continues to shift toward e-commerce, what do you think the future holds for in-person sneaker shopping?
- 9. Q: what message would you like to share with the sneaker community as the SoHo store closes its doors?
- 10. Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring sneaker entrepreneurs?
End of an Era: Stadium Goods Closes Iconic SoHo Store to Focus on Digital Growth
An Exclusive Interview with Alex Carter, Former Store Manager of Stadium Goods soho
As stadium Goods prepares to close its iconic SoHo store, we sat down with Alex Carter, the former store manager, to reflect on the legacy of this beloved sneaker destination and discuss the brand’s shift toward digital growth. Here’s what he had to say.
Q: alex, the SoHo store has been a cornerstone of sneaker culture in New York City. How does it feel to see it close after nearly a decade?
Alex Carter: It’s bittersweet,to be honest. The SoHo store has been more than just a retail space—it’s been a hub for sneakerheads, a place where people could connect over their shared passion for rare kicks. We’ve seen everything from collectors hunting for vintage Jordans to first-time buyers discovering their love for sneakers. It’s been an unbelievable journey, but the retail landscape is changing, and Stadium Goods is evolving with it.
Q: The decision to close the store has been attributed to a focus on digital growth. Can you elaborate on that shift?
Alex Carter: Absolutely. The reality is that e-commerce has become the backbone of our business. Over the years, we’ve seen a meaningful increase in online sales, and it just makes sense to invest more in that space. That said, we’re not abandoning the in-person experience entirely. The team is working on transforming our market centre at 412 Broadway into a space that combines product intake with an elevated retail experience. It’s about adapting to the times while still honoring our roots.
Q: The SoHo store underwent a major renovation in 2022.what was the impact of that upgrade?
Alex Carter: The renovation was a game-changer. We expanded to 2,860 square feet and added a new entrance at 305 Canal Street, which made the space more accessible and inviting. It gave shoppers more room to explore and discover, and it really elevated the overall experience. The timing was perfect, too—it allowed us to go out on a high note, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and community.
Q: Stadium Goods has had quite the journey, from its acquisition by farfetch to its purchase by Coupang. How have these milestones shaped the brand?
Alex Carter: Those milestones have been pivotal. the Farfetch acquisition in 2018 was a validation of our vision, and Coupang’s purchase last year has given us the resources to scale even further. These partnerships have allowed us to stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market. They’ve also reinforced our commitment to delivering remarkable service and rare finds, weather online or in-store.
Q: As the retail landscape continues to shift toward e-commerce, what do you think the future holds for in-person sneaker shopping?
Alex carter: That’s a great question, and I think it’s one that every retailer is grappling with right now. While digital platforms offer convenience, there’s something irreplaceable about the in-person experience—the thrill of holding a rare pair of Jordans in your hands, the camaraderie of waiting in line for a drop. I believe there will always be a place for physical stores, but they’ll need to evolve to offer something unique. For Stadium Goods, that means focusing on spaces that blend retail with community and innovation.
Alex Carter: I’d say thank you.Thank you to everyone who walked through our doors,who shared their stories,and who made the SoHo store what it was. This isn’t the end—it’s a new chapter. Stadium Goods will continue to deliver the same passion and dedication through our digital platforms, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us next.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring sneaker entrepreneurs?
Alex Carter: Stay true to your passion. The sneaker industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, but at its core, it’s about connecting people through a shared love of footwear. Whether you’re building a brand or curating a collection, let that passion guide you. And don’t be afraid to adapt—innovation is key to staying relevant.
What are your thoughts on the shift from in-person to digital retail? Share your comments below and let us know how you feel about the closure of Stadium Goods’ soho store.
