Starbury’s Shine…
Stephon Marbury tries to change the game.
So I just got back from a party for my main man Stephon Marbury, who’s launching a new line of shoes and clothes. The joint was packed, celebrities were stalking the red carpet, and everyone was there to celebrate a pair of cheap shoes.
See, the thing about Steph’s line is that it’s all very cheap — the most expensive item in the entire line are the shoes, the same shoes he’ll wear in games this season, which will cost $14.98 retail. Then there’s a ton of shirts, hoodies, leather jackets, jeans…all kinds of stuff, which will all cost — get this — $9.98. (You can see all the gear here.)
The party was at the store that put this whole thing together, Steve and Barry’s, a discount sportswear chain with a flagship store in the Manhattan Mall (where the party was) and 130 stores around the U.S.
I talked to Steph about all this stuff a few months ago and wrote an article about it in the new issue of KICKS (on newsstands soon!), and I’ll put the audio from that conversation up here in a day or so.
I’d never even heard of Steve and Barry’s when I first talked to Steph about all this, but after seeing the store and seeing how the stuff they carry is actually quality stuff and then wearing some of their gear, I just couldn’t figure out how they pulled it off. How can a pair of shorts that would easily cost $40 anywhere else sell for $9? And how can the store make a profit on that?
At the party tonight I cornered Steve, the co-owner, and he said it wasn’t easy, but it’s mostly about volume and keeping their overhead costs low. They really believe that kids shouldn’t have to pay the prices that a lot of the name brands charge for clothes, which he said includes a sizable mark-up. He also said the idea for the whole line was actually Steph’s, and that they knew someone who introduced them to Steph and helped it all happen. Steph really wasn’t trying to get paid by doing this, he was just trying to do something different.
I saw Steph tonight and talked to him briefly, and he was very proud that the whole thing was coming together. As he told me a few weeks ago…
“This whole idea is really about trying to change the way how people are being charged for something that’s being priced up 1000 percent. It’s not basketball with me with this — basketball is just something that I do. What I’m doing is I’m trying to create something that could be substantial throughout the years of just living. This is just a product of something that I do. For everyone that’s out in the world that will get in line to buy this stuff, they can feel good about themselves when they’re wearing stuff that’s quote-unquote cheap that’s not cool. Now it’s going to be cool to wear something cheap because you can really get something out of it.”
Steph also said he remembered being a kid, being poor, and he wanted to give kids an alternative to spending all their money on clothes and shoes.
I know Steph gets ripped on a lot and takes a lot of crap, and some of it is probably deserved. And you guys know I like Steph, and I always will be a fan of his.
And with this whole line, even if you’re not a fan of Steph’s, I think this is something you can at least appreciate.
54 Responses to “Starbury’s Shine…”
Aug.16 at 11:14 pm
Dblizzy says:
Yeah i definately respect Steph for this. I think it is really positive and a very generous act, that will hopefully change the way athletes use their name. By attaching himself to this brand it gives it credability, so all the kids that would normally bypass a 15 dollar shoe just cuz its 15 dollars, might actually take a look. I’m sure it will sell in NY. I’m sure as hell gettin a pair. The black ones are kinda dope.
Aug.16 at 11:23 pm
Ben says:
I’d love to get something, and support the whole idea (which I think is great) but there’s no way to easily get them online or anything. You have to go to a store, which for me is over an hour away. It’s probably more in gas money than the actual stuff costs. That’s a problem.
Aug.16 at 11:24 pm
Dblizzy says:
I’m mad at the air force one and new balance knockoffs though. Lang, why is it that every sneaker company comes out with an air force one copycat. Can’t nike sue or something?
Aug.17 at 12:37 am
gordon says:
where can you get this stuff in Canada?
Aug.17 at 1:33 am
alpha says:
Yo, I’d mess with these just cuz I dig the concept behind them. I feel what he’s trying to do and I souport that. I done seen alot of crazy stuff go down just so cats can shine man. It’ll have to be the brown joints though. Those are hot, I cant mess with the knock offs..
Aug.17 at 1:40 am
Lang Whitaker says:
Dblizzy, not sure on the AF1 tip, but I know what you mean. All those shoes, especially BAPEs, just seem like direct copies. Although I’d guess if Nike could sue, they would’ve done it to someone by now.
Aug.17 at 1:48 am
Joey says:
Dblizzy: Are you serious? These shoes are selling for $14.98. Regardless of the fact that they may resemble AF1… Kids are goin to buy Steph’s shoes to ball in because they can afford it… Not collect them for fun. Im sure the design is meant to appeal to as many people as possible and AF1 style shoes are a safe bet. Damn… you can’t BUY a pair of shoes these days for under $20. Can you? Im sure you can off street markets in China but they’re not built for performance AT ALL. Steph is goin to ball in the L with these. Appreciate it man… Why would you want to sue a rare good deed?
Aug.17 at 1:56 am
Ben says:
I live in Oregon, and there is no way that I can drive to Southern Cali to pick up some ten dollar shoes. Ordering online should definitely be a possibility. I really like some of the “goods” as well, so it’s a lose-lose situation. I do love and respect the idea behind this though. I feel Steph on this one.
Aug.17 at 2:58 am
Tim Dogg says:
Steph just earned a ton of respect in my book, something I never really had for him before. It’s great that he hasn’t forgotten how hard it is for kids to afford the gear their heroes wear. However, I have to say that the logo is a little close to the classic converse star logo (the one that kind of looks like this *>)
Aug.17 at 3:43 am
BEsmirched says:
I’d like to point out Steph is not the first to do this - Shaq started buddget appeal/shoe line two years ago. His shoes are sold in Payless for crying out loud.
Steph just took it one step further. Much love for both of them tho…
Aug.17 at 4:10 am
Will Lee says:
Nike cannot sue them because the AF1 is an old design. I guess some lawyers here could give us a time index after a design is out, others could copy it without breaking the law. Its like beethoven’s music could be publicly played without causing any problem. A manufacture cost of a pair of shoes is around 8US$ in China. If you are speaking of volume, probably you could get it even cheaper. The idea to make money is, get it in huge volume, so that each pair’s average cost is as low as possible. I am sure the store and steph are not earning much money, at least not as much as selling other brands. But its a really respectful act to do something like this. Whether its marketing, gimmick, whatsoever, a billionaire doing this is just amazing. And now, you see how much Nike overcharged a pair of sneakers? But seriously, they invested a lot in the technology, design, research, which could not be seen on a manufacture cost. If they never invest, who would wear air and shox? And if you are willing to pay 200$ for a pair of Jordans, they make you look good. So, yeah they make a lot of markup, but they also deserve it. Just like Maybach and Toyota, they overcharged it, so what? I look good in it. But its hard for a major Maybach owner to do giveaway Hondas. Basically, Marbury is giving away shoes and clothes for free. I never liked his game, but what he has been doing, to keep it real, keep it street, always watching Brooklyn’s back, mad respect…
Aug.17 at 5:20 am
Kenny Carino says:
This is a good thing man… A cheap affordable clothing line, that actually looks cool enough to wear… Can’t wait to rock some of Stephs gear..
I have a great deal of respect for Stephs game and what he is doing to give back… I think it shows alot about his character off the court..
Aug.17 at 7:10 am
TKJC says:
Well, they can’t be any worse than Dada’s. By the way, I thought Nike’s and Jordan’s cost like $50-$70 in NY after 2 months they release?
Aug.17 at 8:20 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Can some of the proceeds from the shoes go towards NY Knicks salary cap relief? Cause that would be just terrific. My mom is still mad at me for spending $60 on Air Maxes in 7th grade.
Aug.17 at 8:50 am
Ran DuBose says:
I’m from Coney Island so you know i’m copping me at least one of everything. Steph should really receive an award for his heroics in the community.
Aug.17 at 9:41 am
Action Jackson says:
Ok…I can understand the shoes costing $15 and still keeping a positive margin, but the leather jacket for under $15?? Either they’re going to lose money on those jackets (I’ll refrain from giving my economic rationale) or leather material is a lot cheaper than US retailers lead us to believe. I’ll assume it’s the latter since this company is growing at a steady clip and they probably have reasonably competent management… But still…got damn…a sub-$15 leather coat. Impressive.
Aug.17 at 10:39 am
DBlizzy says:
TKJC, who gave you that info about New York cuz thats a lie. Jordans can be out for a yr without a price drop if they’re hot. and even if they’re ugly they don’t drop to half price after 2 months. I’m from NY. Anyway, not to argue with you Joey, but you’re missing my point. I appreciate what Steph is doing, and support him. My thing is that you don’t have to copy a sneaker style to appeal to buyers. He has some good designs for his other sneakers so why copy. And it not just him as Lang pointed out, look at the Bapes, all they did was change the Swoosh to a star, up the price by 400% and its a big hit. Even though Nike is a billion dollar company, is it fair that their design can be copied over and over without penalty. How would you feel if you came up with a classic product and then everyone copied it? Thats all I’m sayin…
Aug.17 at 10:45 am
Matt says:
Let him wear birkenstocks, he still won’t pass the ball.
Aug.17 at 10:48 am
drawlzphd says:
thats whats really good this should help out alot of us just making it people i work hard but still can aford so really nice balling kicks so im glad someone making it easy for the kids
Aug.17 at 10:53 am
Alex says:
I thought what Shaq was doing last year was kinda nuts and his shoes still cost over $40. Big ups to Steph… I hope kids buy these.
Aug.17 at 12:00 pm
» Heidi Klum, Ron Artest and The Bowen Collector - SLAM Online says:
[…] Not a cheapskate, are you? • I wrote last night about going to Steph’s party, and earlier in the day Steph said pretty much nothing to the beat writers, who tried to make something, anything, interesting from it. […]
Aug.17 at 1:16 pm
DimeDocta says:
I have access to many-a-factory over here in Korea. Ya’ll have no idea how little profit Steph is making on this shit. I mean unless the shit is made in Vietnam or Cambodia. And even then it is ridiculous the prices he’s setting. You can’t even get knock-off’s for those prices. Dude better be claiming this as charity on his income tax returns.
Aug.17 at 1:54 pm
Atrain206 says:
I just have to say this: I’m in my mid-30’s and I grew up during the Nike explosion era. There was even a time when I worked for them and I had nothing but love for the product. Then I remembered a small company called And1 who brought something different to the table in the late 90’s. Now you see where they are now. Before they came out, I used to have that in-the-box thinking saying “wow, look at the nike knock offs and stuff”! But now I can understand when other shoe companies produce “copycat” products. Not everyone in today’s America can afford $75-$200 kicks. These companies are trying to find a place to help the kids (and in some cases adults) find a way to have those kicks and have some style in their life without having to go hungry or miss out on some of the things some of us “style” ballers take for granted. Yes I like my AF1’s and Jordans but I can respect the Shaq’s of the world as well. That’s why I’m giving Stephon Marbury nothing but the utmost respect from this point forward. He came with a concept and made it a reality. Fact is he went from a company man with an endorsement deal to a man with a company and looking for the public’s endorsement. He is taking it to a whole new level. To the Cat who is talking about “can’t Nike sue or something”, partner get a clue. It’s called market competition. From all the shoe giants to fashion houses to cars and rims. It’s all part of the retail game. There have been hundreds of All-Star knock offs, Stan Smiths, and Adidas superstars. I could go on forever. My point is you don’t have to buy the “knock-offs”. All you have to do is support the brand you love and don’t hate on the next company for trying to get cats to love their product. It’s just like dating or buying shoes, you have a choice. Once you understand how the game goes, then you will be able to think outside the box and appreciate what Stephon Marbury is doing. And once I get my hands on a pair (I live here in Seattle but I’ll find a way to cop a pair) Believe you me, cats out here will be wondering where I got my “air force 1″ copycat shoes and wanting to get a pair. Peace.
Aug.17 at 2:19 pm
Drew says:
If the Steph’s clothes come to Canada, I’d buy them to support the cause.
Affordable quality clothing for kids should be available.
Props to Steph for his work in this.
Aug.17 at 2:59 pm
Joe_X says:
I wonder if Steph’s shafting the Asian factory workers to keep his prices so low…. If that’s the case, what’s good for America is (once again) bad for everyone else.
Aug.17 at 3:45 pm
Pablo Favarel (Argentina) says:
I hate Stehp a 100% as a basketball player since the days he left Minnesota. But… I take my hat off to him, he´s doing something that´s an example for everybody.
Aug.17 at 3:58 pm
rgeezy says:
Yo Joe_X i think the situation for the factory workers is better then it is under Nike. Now they arent making shoes at $1 an hour and then havin the company make crazy profit on the shoes they make. Steph’s shoes are at low prices, so the workers are still probably being paid $1 an hour, but its not like Steph’s company is going to be making billion dollar profits.
Aug.17 at 3:58 pm
Richie says:
What i’m worried about is when Steve & Barry sell out the sneakers because some rich dude buys all the stock to mark it up on E-bay. If his product is hot then everyone will cop them but should some one who could afford the high-end products really be buying this stuff meant for less fortunate people?
Aug.17 at 3:59 pm
Jack says:
Man… If I get out to NY for my 18th I’m gonna have to find one of them stores. Gear looks damn good for the prices, specially when I think about how much it is in English currency. With any luck it’ll cause a lot of superstars to try it and we’ll be inundated with cheap gear.
Aug.17 at 4:02 pm
Richie says:
Check it out its happening already. http://cgi.ebay.com/Exclusive-Starbury-Shoes-all-black-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ170020052443QQihZ007QQcategoryZ63850QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Aug.17 at 6:00 pm
» Starbury’s Sale - SLAM Online says:
[…] Starbury’s Shine…by Lang Whitaker So I just got back from aIverson, Wedgie Evans and a shirtless coach…by Lang Whitaker Monday, and there’s not a lot goingSeattle In Flux: Day 2by Lang Whitaker One day after word dropped that theHeidi Klum, Ron Artest and The Bowen Collectorby Lang Whitaker I’ve got three TV shows I needKnicks, D-Wade and Mr. Chibbsby Lang Whitaker QUOTES OF THE DAY “Robinson is a greatMarching with selltheknicks.comI never told Mr. Orange or any of mySuperman ReturnsWhen I first heard that the man who brought ARCHIVES BY DATE Select Month August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 ARCHIVES BY CATEGORY […]
Aug.17 at 6:47 pm
albie1kenobi says:
“Then there’s a ton of shirts, hoodies, leather jackets, jeans…all kinds of stuff, which will all cost — get this — $9.98.” when i read that price, i almost immediately thought of steve and barry’s. I remember walking in the Jersey Garden mall a few years ago and saw a store that showcase “$9.98 for (close to) everything in store” and i was curious. i came out of the stores with a few things on hand and when i tried them on, they looked great and felt great (i’m really picky with clothings). I really like steve and barry’s and am happy to find out steph hooked up with them to get this out. Props for steve and barry’s and steph for putting this together, and slamonline for letting the world know.
Aug.17 at 8:09 pm
Matt says:
Yeah props and all, but those shoes look CHEAP. I don’t know how he’s going to wear them on court, unless he gets special ones that are actually made well.
Aug.18 at 3:06 am
Tim Dogg says:
I checked out the ebay link. The top bid is at 1 measly penny thus far. I hope it stays there. People who try to make a buck on a product like this deserve to burn in hell. Notice he refers to “my man Stephen (sic) Marbury.” Obviously a huge fan.
Aug.18 at 11:01 am
Ozzy says:
I grew up on 178 and Honey well Ave in the Bronx. I had ponies back in the day. I currently live up in CT, but I am frequently in N.Y. to visit the Family. I will most definitely pick up some gear to support the cause. Remember what he did to support he Hurricane Katrina cause? This will probably make me start defending his game now - seriously. The game is a big part of who my favorite players are, however doing some thing like this goes a long way with me. I’m already having ideas to buy tons of this stuff to bring up to the CT kids who cannot make it to New York. I’m thinking revolution here. I will never be in a positon to do some like this where you are able to give a whole class of (lower income earning) people the ability to start change their economic positon. I’m almost moved to tears by this. When KG and Duncan switched from Nike to Adidas I thougt that it was to keep their shoes below that $70 mark. I was at an outlet the other day and I damn sure could not find ony Adidas below $70 - this is at an outlet! I stopped looking at nike years ago. M.G, M.L.K, M.X
Aug.18 at 3:48 pm
EDman says:
a lot of people dont realize that all these shoes are basically the same materials. just because the shoe is cheap in price doesnt mean its cheap in quality… because get this- it only cost nike under $10 to make shoes in the factories- therefore anyone who pays over $100 for these shoes really look like asses in the ending….. while you’re goin broke over shoes, the nike people are sitting back laughin in their money because all these people believe the shoes they got are really worth the price. if any of you people really think shoes like nike, reebok, or jordans are worth the price then ask yourself…..”am i keepin it real?” overall stephon is doing a good thing for looking out for those kids who cant afford overpriced shoes. the shoes look great for $15 and below, therfore ill be getting me a few pair
Aug.18 at 8:55 pm
naeem says:
The idea and concept r right, but it would cool if you could get some off da net.
I live in the middle of no where (albuquerque nm)
and I would like to support the project!
Aug.30 at 1:13 pm
Alicia says:
where is the Sumpter store in SC… Help a single mom out…please
Sep.2 at 12:56 pm
Sunil Kumar says:
STARBURY range of shoe is simply amazing. I have not seen such a kind of shoes in my life. I do not know how to say thanks to the creaters.
Sep.2 at 1:17 pm
Sunny Ray says:
Starbury range of shoes are simply amazing. It is very hard to find out such a kind of good shoes in price range what Steve and Barrys are offering. I would like to say THANKS to everybody who are involveved with Production, R & D and specially Quality Control team. Once again THANKS to quality team for Good Qality……
Sep.6 at 9:42 pm
Jamison Murphy says:
I have some Starbury shoes and Im happy with the because I had just got done playin ball wit them and I have support on my feet running up & down the court. The shoes are a good source for great fashion and a nice force playing ball. So if anyone wants to get a Heck of a shoe price the get these.
Dec.3 at 6:00 pm
Mark Frias says:
I think Stephon is doing something great. He is using his fame and power to benefit many kids and parents who just can’t afford to buy those $100 dollar plus shoes. I know how hard it is when you are struggling just to make ends meet and you cannot afford brand new shoes. This is why I believe the Starbury shoes are a positive step into the shoe market and will be a great sucess.
Dec.6 at 1:34 am
Kenneth Carino says:
Man.. those shoes are garbage…….
Mar.7 at 2:51 am
Carter says:
As a College Student it’s hard to juggle between paying for school and buying clothes. The shoes are crack and I love the whole concept of “the movement” as so he calls it. The shoes are hot on and off the court and really fit nicely into my style. I Thank Steph for this cuz this gives parents who really can’t afford 150 dollar shoes for their kids a chance to get a shoe for their kids that are the same as an 150 dollar shoe but at a low price. I know I’m going to keep supporting The Movement and keep on rockin all 4 of the Starbury’s I copt because they look good and feel great!
Mar.19 at 7:48 pm
Ian says:
LOVE THE STARBURY LINE. GOT THE SHOES AND SHIRT. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF MARBURY BUT NOW I REALLY HAVE DEEP RESPECT FOR HIM AS A PERSON.
Mar.24 at 8:51 pm
bryan says:
i love starburys. i already have the white/athletic orange and white crossovers and sky blue windbreaker
Mar.29 at 11:56 am
» Starbury Expansion - SLAM ONLINE says:
[…] We did a lot of coverage last sumer about the launch of Stephon Marbury’s low-priced Starbury shoe line. Partly because of the surprising runaway success of the line, partly because Steph is my main man. […]
Mar.29 at 11:33 pm
Johnny Brooks says:
I just want to know if anybody knows how I can invest into this new line. i really think its going to shine in the future. What a gift to give back to the little man. I hope its not to late to help with this cause.
Mar.30 at 9:52 pm
Apollo says:
Dese shoes r sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!I just got a pair today and they r very high quality at a ridiculously low price.=)
May.10 at 8:45 am
Toni N. Harris says:
I think it’s wonderful!!!!! Thank You for giving back to your community.I thank this is a new beginning in teaching our children the power of money,saving and investing in their futures.THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sep.5 at 10:36 pm
thekidd says:
it works just like snoop dogg and tommy hilfiger ..snoop wore hilfiger gear back in the 90’s on a late night show. next day hilfiger was selling out. lil wayne was sportin bapes thats why bapes blew up if he and the other rap stars hadnt wore bapes they’d just be a cheap knockoff brand. if stephen can get a star to wear his stuff. (overhyphed hip hop star works best) then he’s set for life.
Sep.5 at 10:40 pm
thekidd says:
its simple..i mean jordan retros i love but the new jays today are wack. but ppl still rock them why? becuse nike jordan is an overhyphed trend popularized by hot rappers and the legend that wearing jordans will get your ball game up. starburys gets my respect some of the shoes are hot. imma cop sum most def. and to the cats talking about “nike should sue” thats crap if you know buissiness you know its safe to copy the big shots then see if you can get some independant stuff goin. its bussiness survival pure and simple.
Sep.5 at 10:43 pm
thekidd says:
i mean the guys a millionaire right? if i were him i’d be asking soulja boy ( an overhyped teenage rapper ) if he wants a contract with starbury. if souljaboy or lil wayne or ti and various others starts to rock starbury hoodies and shoes the fans will undoubtedly follow wheter it seems wack or not why? becuse they believe its cool. if starburys not making profit then if he follows this strategy he will be makin serious dough.
Feb.8 at 11:36 am
ERA 3000 says:
I’D ALMOST HIT DAT