Presenter(s): Min Kim
Faculty Mentor(s): Cybele Higgins
Oral Session 3 MI
Have you ever heard about sneakers costing more than $2,000? Do you know that many people are enthusiastic about limited edition sneakers and clothes? Nowadays, many people know about the sneaker culture, and many people pay attention to clothes related to street culture. Despite astronomical prices, people still spend money to buy these products. The question is, “Why?” In social media such as Facebook and Instagram, accounts that promote information about sneakers can be found as well as people selling or buying sneakers. This presentation delves into the expensive sneaker community. Primary research from interviews with customers and participant observation as well as secondary research using credible sources show people’s statistical reactions to this topic and investigate its origins and troublesome issues that have developed within this community. The presenter found that the most significant reason to explain why people spend such large amounts of money on sneakers is that people want to show their wealth by wearing expensive clothes. However, the research uncovered the fact that such purchases lead to excessive consumption — frequently over people’s financial means. In addition, when people buy expensive sneakers, they are likely to unwittingly buy fake products. This presentation includes recommendations for people who want to buy expensive sneakers and clothes, addressing the risks and describing how to make such purchases carefully and wisely in the sneaker and clothing market.