John Kim 
Let us reiterate: Are Nikestore Restocks pointless when stock is extremely limited and the crowds drawn are exponentially larger than what a typical sneaker release does? Yesterday’s Nikestore restock featured a number of key items – several Air Jordan retros, two different “What The” releases, plenty of NSW stuff, and more. But the result was the same; disgruntled consumers experiencing the site crashing and subsequently about half and hour wasted in front of a computer. The window of opportunity is so small that if you’re quick enough to catch that link from their Twitter, you probably don’t even have time to browse around. Sure, there are probably a lucky few that manage to get their hands on a pair, but most leave empty-handed and irritated.
For the latest installment of Twitter Conversations, we asked our followers about their experience during last night’s restock, their reaction to missing out on a pair, and their opinions on whether or not official restocks are somewhat pointless. The responses were just what we expected, but clearly there are options for the brand in order to avoid any negativity from the core consumer of sneaker lifestyle. Do you agree with these responses? Read through our latest Twitter Conversations piece and be sure to follow Sneaker News on Twitter if you want to participate next week.
.2 seconds after the site crashed? Oh nah. “@SneakerNews: Did you pick anything up from yesterday’s #restock? pic.twitter.com/qTy9TRCX4z”
— Kalia Cyprian (@southern__tease) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews was on immediately and site crashed or got unable to process order
— Dustin (@32drod) October 14, 2014
For most, it appears that Nike.com crashed when they were doing some speed shopping during the restock. This isn’t the first time it happened on an official restock, let alone a regular sneaker release on a Saturday morning. On several occasions, Nike had to postpone Saturday morning releases from what can only be caused by high traffic.
@SneakerNews good restock but the site crashes so easily
— KingMalik (@I_MalikGriffin) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews without Retro5s, Retro4s… Nothing was exclusive. Many shoes was already released this year. So, nah… Not impressed at all.
— M-Ray (@UniqueMentalite) October 14, 2014
Regarding the selection of this restock: Some were impressed, and for good reason (Concord Lows, almost all of the Air Jordan 6 Retros, both the What The releases), while others are clearly hard to please. Overall, the inability to pick up a pair was the dominant attitude, so it didn’t really matter what was up for sale!
@SneakerNews how about they allow pre-orders for shoes to understand the demand and then make the volume to meet the demand?
— Ronald Rule (@TheRule8618) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews don’t tweet about it.. try not to let it leak at all. Just quietly restock stuff and let people just stumble upon it.
— Master Roshe (@taylor__molnar) October 14, 2014
What are some ways to fix the dead-end nature of these restocks? One individual believes that Nike should go about it in the old-school way – by making the shoes available on Nike.com without as much of a peep on social media. Another believes that the brand should to a bit more market research prior to a release, but logistically it seems unfitting since production of sneakers happens long before the actual release.
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/QKB9HoeUR2
— Master Roshe (@taylor__molnar) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/tQgxhEDGPR
— Matthew Perry (@thewperry) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/nDJ4hwZnsD
— Anthony LaRotonda (@anthify) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/lzTQMLPwfk
— zo (@DaVinciCantDraw) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/C4tQOGxKfX
— Ozzy (@AlmightySince95) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews pic.twitter.com/TRO8b6M4XX
— Nicholas C. Forgione (@nforgione92) October 14, 2014
You mad?
@SneakerNews it is pointless whenever it is nearly impossible to acquire a pair. I am tempted to switch to @adidas for my kicks.
— Ronald Rule (@TheRule8618) October 14, 2014
@SneakerNews They have a history of the website crashing or sitting on the “wait in line” screen for an hour. So yeah, send to stores.
— Alan Long (@AlanTooStrong) October 14, 2014
Finally, are restocks pointless? If the site continues to crash or can’t keep up with the visitors, or if the selection itself is really limited, these restocks should not happen. Instead, surplus stock should go back to brick-and-mortar retail stores or even the Nike Factory Stores (outlets).
