The hottest new smartphone, the revolutionary video-game console, the blockbuster movie-ticket, and even the delicious fast food burger joint has all been ‘camped out’ for (In-N-Out does that to you). Camp-outs and the occasional riotous behavior are nothing new to the sneaker game, but what has changed for certain is the population of sneakerheads, which has experienced an immense growth over the last decade. It’s never a pretty sight as the disappointed will always outnumber the satisfied, and in light of the recent mayhem that occurred during the Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’ release, Nike has decided to take preventative measures to ensure the safety of all involved – consumers, retailers, and local police authorities.

Nike introduces the new ‘Twitter RSVP’ system – a digital means to ensure your pair of a hot upcoming release without the painstaking process of waiting outdoors for extended periods of time. The new Twitter RSVP system is fairly simple; Nike will designate a ‘RSVP Date’, and will begin the RSVP process at a random time on that allocated date. Those who respond in time with the necessary information will have secured a pair of sneakers once Nike’s Twitter responds (full information on the entire process below). Seems rather easy, doesn’t it? There is one glaring pitfall in this process – not everyone has a Twitter account. However, online release will remain the way they are, so for now, nobody will truly be left out, and the RSVP system should alleviate some of the heavy traffic that Nikestore experiences during these major midnight releases.

In addition to the introduction of the Twitter RSVP system, Nike has also banned midnight in-store releases as well as pre-orders for said midnight releases, and instead suggested to retailers a raffle/lottery system that would essentially wipe out any incentive of camping out for a sneaker release ahead of a release. Again, these measures have been taken by Nike to ensure the overall safety of its consumers, retailers, and the local authorities, but we do know these new guidelines are effective immediately, meaning it could happen as soon as this Saturday’s release of the Air Jordan XII ‘Playoffs’. Your thoughts on Nike’s strategy to battle sneaker camp-outs? Is the sneaker camp-out a thing of the past? Get your thoughts in below in our comments section, and check out Nike’s full Press Release for the Twitter RSVP system below.

NIKE STORE LAUNCHES – TWITTER RSVP

Twitter RSVP is used to help manage product launches at Nike Stores. Follow your local Nike Store on Twitter for launch announcements and frequent updates.

The Twitter RSVP Process:

On the RSVP date, our store will send a tweet at a random time to begin our Twitter RSVP process, including a product specific hashtag (#tag).
Once registration is open, you must Direct Message (“DM”) the store within 60 minutes. The DM must include:
The product-specific #tag tweeted by the store
The last 4 digits of your State/Passport/Military/School ID number
Your shoe size (limit one).
Confirmations from the store will be sent via DM to those who have successfully secured their requested size. Shoes will be awarded on a “first respond, first serve” basis.
Confirmed recipients must pick up their product (in person w/ identification) from the store on the day of launch. Unclaimed product will be announced on Twitter and will be re-released at the store’s discretion.
How do you properly RSVP through DM? Here’s an example:

Store Tweet:
Twitter #RSVP is now open for the Air Foamposite One.#Electrolime
Consumer Response (DM):
#Electrolime, 4253, 10.5

(For more information about sending a DM, see the Twitter Help Center.)

Twitter RSVP Terms and Conditions:

One item allowed per person, even if you receive two confirmations of successful registrations. Abuse of this rule may result in denial of purchase or entry to future launches.
Confirmed recipients must provide a valid ID that matches the last 4 digits used for RSVP.
Size cannot be changed once it has been confirmed to a person through Twitter RSVP.
Resell or trade of Twitter RSVP confirmation is prohibited.
Twitter RSVP confirmation is not transferable and not redeemable for cash or for credit towards any purchase.
Lines will not be allowed to form outside the store for this release.
Launch process is always subject to change at any time at the discretion of Nike, Inc.

Find your local Nike Store Twitter account: