Getting sneakers back on feet: eBay UK preps Swap ‘Em Out Store for sneakerheads

eBay UK has announced the opening of a Swap ‘Em Out store, pitched as a first of its kind pop-up where people can swap sneakers they don’t wear for a pair they will.

Opening in the heart of Soho, London on Saturday, 25th March, this will be a ticketed event, with sneakerheads across the country able to apply online for the chance to come and exchange their sneakers free of charge for a more coveted pair of a higher value.

Wahaaj Shabbir, Sneaker Category Manager at eBay UK, says: “Swapping has always been intrinsic to us sneakerheads. In these tough times, where the cost-of-living is making it harder to buy your next pair, we wanted to offer a solution which feels right to the community.”

“We’re all about getting sneakers back on feet and hope that by encouraging people to swap and sell, we’ll keep sneakers flowing to people who truly love them. By opening up The Swap ‘Em Out Store, people will be able to bring in those sneakers that don’t get enough love any more, and we’ll swap them for a pair they’ll wear.”

A number of attendees will also have their brought in sneakers swapped for a “Top Swap” - rare and hyped silhouettes of high value.

As well as swapping their sneakers, attendees will be able to take advantage of other interactive elements including a cleaning service provided by Sneakers ER, as well as an authentication hub - where sneakers will be checked by expert authenticators, offering the eBay Authenticity Guarantee programme in real life to sneakers over £100, to ensure complete satisfaction and protection for shoppers.

There will also be the opportunity to gain access to an exclusive Swap ‘Em Out afterparty featuring live DJ sets, prizes and entertainment.

The initiative builds on eBay’s OG Drops sneaker stores in Morley’s on Brick Lane and at a music venue in Manchester last year.

Those sneakers which have been brought in and swapped will be authenticated by eBay and cleaned, ahead of being uploaded to a Swap ‘Em Out onsite edit on eBay.

Funds raised will go towards supporting the DEC Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal.