As the popularity of sneaker culture is at an all-time high, many people in this culture know if you miss out on a huge sneaker going to a reseller is your best chance at getting that sneaker. I can hear everyone’s groan in unison because of the sometimes outrageous price asked for sneakers, but reselling has become a viable business and with connections, you could make a small fortune.
That is why so many consignment shops and sneaker boutiques have popped up in so many communities because if there is money to be made business will follow. Now imagine opening up a sneaker boutique in the year 2020 months before a pandemic. Sound like bad timing right, but what if I told you this business was able to bloom due to the fact this boutique is on wheels.
Let me introduce you to Gavin aka Sneaker Gazer a young entrepreneur bringing exclusive and upscale sneakers and fashion to the streets of New Orleans with the help of his mobile boutique under the name No Reservations.
The beginning of Gavin’s journey has just begun, putting a new spin on a booming business making his store accessible at the end of anyone’s driveway.
As a new series at Sneaker Reporter entitled Kicking It With, I felt it would be great to sit down and talk to people like Gavin. Those who are doing new and exciting (non-traditional) things within the sneaker community.
Where does the name Sneaker Gazer come from?
– I’m going to keep it 100 with you I wasn’t going to do this sneaker stuff really. I went to a camp in 8th grade or something like that where you have to come up with a business. I’ve always liked shoes so, why not resell Jordan’s? I remember looking at Stock X, Goat, and I didn’t know sneaker reselling was so serious it’s a real hustle. So the name came from a name generator to get a good grade on the presentation we were doing and be done with it. It just kinda stuck I guess
So you went online and used a name Generator to create the name Sneaker Gazer?
– That’s exactly what I did. I didn’t know if it would stick but, a lot of rappers use the same thing. So if they did to come up with a fire name, why can’t I.
Your inspiration for creating this business was to be your own boss, Do you think having the ability to watch your parents run their own businesses gave you the confidence to start this venture of having a sneaker boutique?
– Most definitely, just seeing and being around that my whole life, because my parents had businesses before I was born. My parents never worked for anyone so that all I know. Having my mom around because she didn’t have to work a 9 to 5 being out all day was really important to me. (Parent ran a few Subway franchises and have their own water company in New Orleans)
What some business advice you’ve received from your parents?
– They told me to always be confident in what I’m selling. When I first started it was difficult because of how much sneakers are selling for. I kind of felt guilty in a way but they told me to be confident in my product and don’t lowball myself.
What is the goal for your sneaker boutique on wheels? Do you want to have the same name recognition in the sneaker community as a Flight Club, Keith, or Stadium Goods?
– Not really because what I’m doing or my intentions is to be able to go on the road to different music festivals and big events all around the country. Bring that upscale sneaker shopping experience to anybody.
What do you believe is the biggest advantage of having a mobile boutique compared to the traditional brick and mortar stores?
– A huge advantage that I have over a brick-and-mortar store is not having too much overhead. It’s a lot less expensive, with no rent or bills. Gas is my only expense. When opening up a store you have to get sneaker accounts which is like a year-long process and I didn’t have the patients for that. I already had a lot of inventory so we just put our sneakers in there (The Van) and started moving.
When it comes to reselling what are some resources to set the price of your sneakers?
– Yea anybody in the sneaker game would tell you that what we all use (StockX). We use StockX, Goat, and eBay. We don’t sell on those sites but that what we use to set a market price.
Has the effect of the pandemic helped or hurt your business?
– I started in March when the pandemic first started, we were all out of school and everything. So I’d say it boosted my business because most people who were in quarantine couldn’t go to Footlockers and different stores to get the sneakers. I took it upon myself to stock up on the sneakers and through social media, if people wanted a shoe they would hit me up and I would then bring them the sneaker without them having to leave their home.
The video that brought you to my attention was your Kickin’ video with Curren$y, In this series on YouTube you’ve talked to many people known throughout New Orleans. Whose someone you hope to collaborate with within the near future and why?
– I said this in my Q&A, P.J. Tucker for sure before I started selling sneakers I played basketball my whole life so it was like both worlds just kind of met it clicked. As someone, I look up to P.J. Tucker is some who embodies both the sneaker world and the basketball world.
As far as the people you’ve interviewed, who was the most impactful or gave you the best piece of advice?
– Probably Curren$y, I’ve known him for a really long time because we don’t live that far from one another. We’ve always chopped it up a lot when I was younger he would just give me advice, then in the interview, he gave me some tips and stuff that you can’t ignore. He’s a legend.
What is your advice for anyone starting their journey in the sneaker resell business?
– You’ve got to understand that you won’t get your hands on every single shoe but, stay positive. When I first started I would get discouraged a lot when I would hit on the Snkrs app (who doesn’t) or any website and I would question myself “Do I really want to do this? Is it worth it ?” Now I’m starting to see my hustle payoff, so you just got to keep the positivity up.
If anyone wants to catch up on everything the Sneaker Gazer currently doing check him out on Instagram and subscribe to his Youtube channel. Thanks Again to Gavin for seating down with me for the first of many Kicking It With: features and come back next week to read up on our next guest.
Updated September 22nd, 2021:
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