Sneaker Stores Are Showing Solidarity With Protesters, Even the Ones Being Looted

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder by police in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25, people across America and the world have taken to the streets to protest racism and demand justice. Some of the demonstrations have escalated into riots, and vandalism and looting in some areas – affecting many sneaker stores and boutiques.

Over the weekend, images and videos of stores being broken into and looted began to make rounds on social media. Now many brands and stores that have experienced looting are speaking out.

Many larger brands have taken a decided stance on the situation. For instance, while the Nike Store location on Michigan Ave. in Chicago appeared to be completely cleaned out yesterday, the company shared a message in solidarity protesters. In an unprecedented move, adidas shared Nike’s post, suggesting that the sportswear rivals share a united position on the issue of institutionalized racism in the United States.

Nike store on Michigan Ave smashed and completely looted pic.twitter.com/IRZc4FuDBO

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) May 31, 2020

For smaller sneaker shops and consignment stores – some of which are black-owned – however, looting is hitting especially hard. Stores such as Flight Club, Sole Classics, RSVP Gallery, and Round Two, are grappling with the obvious financial repercussions, while also standing behind protesters.

Fight Club Store being looted#LAProtests #Looting pic.twitter.com/XgTe8HjsVH

— 3man (@3man4life) May 31, 2020

From frustration to solidarity, here’s how the sneaker community is responding to vandalism in the wake of nationwide protests.

Together is how we move forward. ⁣
Together is how we make change. https://t.co/U1nmvMhxB2

— adidas (at 🏡) (@adidas) May 30, 2020

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If you are out these streets, remember to cover all identifiable parts of your body. Be smart, be safe, have an exit plan, use SIGNAL app to send secure messages, don’t stay in one place #pleasures #pleasuresnow

A post shared by PLEASURES (@pleasures) on May 30, 2020 at 8:35pm PDT

Eh, it'll be fine. it's just a store. Black Lives are precious, however. Protect Black Lives. https://t.co/tmCxVfyRzv

— Bobby Hundreds (@bobbyhundreds) May 31, 2020

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Yesterday our CEO shared this message with our team members. We wanted to share it with you.

A post shared by Foot Locker (@footlocker) on May 30, 2020 at 2:04pm PDT

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• There’s protesting, rioting, then there is looting. I’m not worried about the stuff, I’m worried about the people. Y’all stay safe. Don’t worry, we are in action to figure out how we can meet with the powers that be on ways to create outlets. This wasn’t about crime on a black business, this had deeper roots. See y’all after things cool off. Love, Sc. ————————— THIS IS ON US! For generations we have called the youth stupid, taken funding from their programs, kicked them out of places and ignored them. What would you expect? Don’t lock your doors tighter, open your hearts wider. Spread love, Sc. Drop a positive message to the youth in our comments.

A post shared by Sole Classics (@soleclassics) on May 30, 2020 at 4:27pm PDT

Regardless of what happens and has happened today/tonight/tomorrow/next month I love LA and the people of LA so much. What’s happening in LA and across the country is, in my opinion, a reasonable reaction to the frustrations of a system that has failed so many people

— Lamorpheus (@OGLukeMook) May 31, 2020

Opening a business in Los Angeles has allowed me to live a life and meet the kind of people I never imaged I would when I was growing up in VA, so if something negative happens during a tense time like this, you have to charge it to the game and keep pushing forward like always

— Lamorpheus (@OGLukeMook) May 31, 2020

End of the day, you can and should insure your business because of times like these. Product is replaceable, human life is not.

— Lamorpheus (@OGLukeMook) May 31, 2020

RSVP Gallery LA Location Robbed By Protestors.. pic.twitter.com/iQF71o0wzh

— HypeNeverDies (@HypeNeverDies) May 30, 2020

Stay safe y’all 👊🏽 https://t.co/8IejvrYwUL

— RIF LA (@Rifla) May 31, 2020

Sign the petition to demand justice for George Floyd and join us in taking a stance against institutionalized racism.

Original Article