Best foot forward
TEENAGE ENTREPRENEUR LASHON OPENS SHOP ON CITY HIGH STREET
THE young entrepreneur behind Nottingham’s newest sneaker shop says it feels “like a dream come true”.
Lashon James, 19, opened his first bricks-and-mortar retail business on April 17.
Sneakrverse has been in online business selling elite sneaker brands and other unique urbanwear for more than a year.
But finally Lashon’s dream of having a shop has been realised.
The shop in Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, is already a hit with fashion-conscious shoppers.
Lashon, of St Ann’s, said: “The first Saturday was really busy. I was quite surprised.
“People had heard about it through my friends but then I think word got out.
“As people were walking past they were coming in and asking if it was an American store, and it just got busier.
“I had to try and keep [the excitement] within, but I would have definitely had a big smile on all day.
“It was like a dream come true – I never would have thought there would be people in my shop.”
Lashon, a first-year business and economics student at Nottingham
Trent University, said Sneakrverse started when he got his hands on a pair of Nike x Off-white collaboration “Blazer” shoes for £130.
He resold them for £400 and it has been a labour of love ever since, with his online resale business booming.
As well as exclusive or limited-edition shoes, he is also selling clothing from emerging brands, founded in Nottingham.
The highest-priced item Lashon has ever sold was a pair of Dior x Jordan 1 collaborations which went for a staggering £11,000 – a profit of £2,000.
So far, he says, sales have been good. many
“I’m having to have a break today as it’s been very busy but we’re managing to keep on top of it.
“I thought my prices might have been too high for people, but I suppose having the shoe there in front of you is different.
“We’re getting a mix of people in, not just a younger crowd or students, all ages. People are interested to see,” he added.
“Last Thursday was equal to the Saturday so there doesn’t seem to be more trade on weekends. And customers keep coming back – they want to stand out and keep up to date. We had to get a new wall of shoes in because of demand.”
Lashon said the clothing side of the business is also a hit, staff recommending items to match the customers’ new sneakers.
“People want to know about the shoes, or what looks best and I feel confident and happy to tell them, having so much background in it now,” Lashon added.
“I just can’t wait for more of the city to open up this summer.”
Tom Spencer, head of Undergraduate Programmes at Nottingham Business School, said: “It is fantastic to see Lashon continue to build his business and we are really excited to see him open up a retail space in the city centre.
“We encourage our students to build an entrepreneurial mindset and support them with their business ideas, as seen with the recent completion of the Dryden Enterprise Centre at the University.
“We look forward to seeing Lashon’s future business success. He has a bright future ahead of him.”