Nike's Air Jordans XX3-sometimes they're baskeball shoes, sometimes they're valuable collectibles. It's all in the marketing!
Air Jordan 23
Later this month, Nike will be releasing the 23rd edition of its popular Air Jordan Series, the shoe that changed the face of the business of athletics. Endorsed by basketball great Michael Jordan who played for the Chicago Bulls, the shoe was rolled out in 1984 when Jordan was named Rookie of the Year. Each year, Nike presented a new version, and Jordan wore them on the court although early on, they were not approved by the NBA, and he was fined $5,000 per game. Nike picked up the tab.
Air Jordans- the Must Have Shoe
Athletes had been endorsing products long before Jordan, but it consisted of signing their names to existing products. The original Air Jordan was designed specifically with its namesake in mind, and was bold and charismatic, and included Jordan's jersey number 23. The ovewhelming and instant popularity of the shoe surprized both Nike and Jordan. Release dates for the latest models were switched to weekends, to keep kids from skipping school to buy them. It became dangerous to wear them, as owners were being mugged and sometimes killed for them.
Limited Edition Air Jordan XX3
Most popular products spawn collectors, and Air Jordans are no exception. These are the folks who line up to buy them immediately after their release, and never take them out of their boxes. This year's realease, the Air Jordan XX3, will be available on January 25th, but only from 23 retailers. The original offering will be a limited edition selling for $230. Later, a $185. version will be rolled out nationally. Rumors that this may be the last year for the shoes will undoubtedly drive the prices much higher.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday 16 January 2008
