Modell's Sporting Goods is making a comeback years after going bankrupt
Instead of another store closure, this is the story of a classic retailer coming back from the grave. The once-popular Modell's Sporting Goods announces its return after declaring bankruptcy and closing all locations in 2020.
Time changes everything - oh, and the Knicks
It seems like time does change everything, and in this case, it is resurrecting a retailer, all because of one single event. The Knicks won. Yep, that's it.
Former Modell's Sporting Goods owner Mitch Modell made the announcement earlier this week in an interview with the New York Post.
“The Knicks started winning, the city came alive, the energy returned, the excitement returned, and suddenly my phone started ringing," said Modell. "My inbox exploded. Social media exploded. Thousands of people started asking the question: ‘Where is Modells? Where do I get my playoff shirt? Where do I get my Knicks gear? Where is Mo’s?'”
Modell's taps into the online retail space
Once Modell realized there was demand for affordable sports gear, he went all in on retail sales. Modell launched the "Knodell's" pigeon shirt for $20, which is a Knicks-themed tee, on mitchellmodells.com.
Modell is taking the lesson the Knicks learned, and applying it to his business. Just because you fail once, it doesn't have to be the final ending.
Big plans for the future
He's starting with a goal of selling $500,000 worth of his pigeon tees.
If he reaches his goal, Modell plans to donate to prostate cancer research, a disease his father passed away from. His brother also died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer, and Modell has melanoma.
In terms of the future, Modell has big plans. He's told reporters that he plans to open a flagship store in New York City and then expand to more stores by the end of 2030.
Exciting news for those who love sports gear
If you love sports gear, you also know how pricey it can be. The idea of a more reasonably priced retailer is pretty exciting.
Source: Syracuse.com
