By Shani Stitt
The Howard University Hilltop - Sports
With NBA giants, there is always competition for the spot as the greatest, and this competition continues when it comes to sneaker and apparel lines.
NBA legend Ervin "Magic" Johnson launched his inaugural sneaker and apparel line Magic32 this fall. Johnson's goal was to create a line that would be affordable and stylish without jeopardizing quality.
"The primary focus of Magic32 will be to combine fashion, quality and performance at affordable prices," said Johnson to magic32usa.com.
"I really wanted to launch a line that everybody in the family could afford and still be hot for the kids," he added.
After a few weeks on the market, there is a lot of commotion about his new line.
"It's a good idea that he is trying to make something semi-stylish yet affordable, especially since he's a role model. Kids, they look up to him and will get their parents to buy them," said Aliyya Clark, sophomore TV production major/fashion merchandizing minor.
Junior administration justice major, Cliffone Ault, believes in the idea, "I like the whole movement," Ault said.
However, others believe that Johnson is trying to do more then just push an affordable sneaker and apparel line.
Sophomore psychology major Arlandus Hood doesn't like the idea, "It's just another way for Magic to get money; people are going to buy them just because [of] the name, but they're ugly."
Consumers who are aware of the Magic32 line are focusing their attention on the sneakers rather then the apparel, and are constantly comparing them to the Nike brand, Air Jordan line and Shaquille O'Neal's sneaker line.
President Jeff Herdman of Bash Sports, LLC whom Magic32 is manufactured and distributed by, explained that it is tough to compare Magic's brand to Brand Jordan, because Brand Jordan has been around for twenty years and is owned by Nike, a multi-billion dollar public company. "We are [a] privately held start up company that has been in business for less then twelve months," Herdman said.
However, Herdman clearly stated that the company respects its competition. "Companies like Nike, Adidas and Reebok did not become multi-billion dollar companies without great products and great employees," Herdman said. Herdman strongly believes that the Magic32 product line will stand up against anyone.
"Our design, quality and prices will stand [and] can compete with anyone in this industry. It's just a matter of time for us. We continue to grow every season and more and more customers are realizing what a great product we have at affordable prices," Herdman added.
Although the sneaker has only been out for a short period of time the shoe seems to be making a statement all over. Freshman Sondra Jones explained that she has owned a pair of Magic32's and played basketball in them. "It's a good shoe, with great ankle support," Jones proudly stated.
"The line has been doing very well in retailers around the country and we have exceeded all of our expectations for the first year," Herdman said.
Johnson's signature line is available at sporting good and apparel stores across the country, including Bob's Stores, Copeland Sports, Dunham's Sports, Gart Sports, Hibbett Sports, JCPenney, Meijer, Modell's Sporting Goods, Oshmans, Rogan Shoes, Shoe Box, Shoe City, The Sports Authority and the NBA Store.
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