*Several consignment stores around the country have allegedly removed all Kobe Bryant-related merchandise off of their sites, in an effort to bar resellers from profiting off of the NBA star’s death.
Meanwhile, sportswear giant Nike said Tuesday it has sold out of its Kobe merchandise, contradicting an ESPN report that it pulled the products, according to UPI.com.
A company spokesman said a Monday that reports that Nike had removed Kobe merch from its website is false.
In addition to selling out of Kobe Bryant products online, Nike had an increase in sales at physical stores, USA Today reports.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among those who tragically died in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California on January 26.
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Mamba forever. Our condolences to Kobe and Gianna’s family and everyone involved in today’s tragedy.
Less than a day after news of his death, bids for some of Kobe’s merch shot up from $200 to $1,000 on some resale sites, Business Insider reported.
“We will not be selling any Kobes till further notice,” sneaker consignment shop, RIF LA, recently announced in a statement. “All Kobes have been pulled off the floor and all online orders have been refunded.”
Bryant had worked closely with the Nike since joining the company in 2003. Several collaborations were in the works at the time of his death, including the Kobe 5 Protro colorways, which were set to drop on February 7, but the company may postpone the sneakers’ release.
“As is the case for any live marketplace, real-life events have ramifications on market performance. Following the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing, there was a surge in interest in products related to the basketball legend, including some of his most noted sneaker collaborations. The increased interest is a testament to his impact both on and off the court,” the company said in a statement to CNBC.
“Kobe was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball,” Nike’s recent statement read. “He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
