Police shut down pop-up store selling 99 cent sneakers from Adidas x AriZona iced tea collaboration
Police have shut down a pop-up store selling limited-edition trainers from an Adidas and AriZona iced tea collaboration after an unprecedented turnout.
Earlier this week, the brands announced they would be launching two versions each of the Yung 1 and Continental shoe styles, inspired by the imagery on the beverage company's drink cans.
The main draw of the brightly coloured trainers was the price, with the shoes selling for just 99 cents, the same price as a can of AriZona iced tea.
However, the highly anticipated release was limited to those in New York City, with people directed to a pop-up in Bowery for the chance to purchase a pair of the shoes before they sell out completely.
After it was announced the pop-up would take place on 18 and 19 July, sneaker fanatics had already started lining up on Wednesday night.
The NYPD had to shut down Adidas’ Arizona Iced Tea pop-up shop in NYC. What happens when you try to sell 99-cent shoes. pic.twitter.com/qbAAONFsnb
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers)
The scene earlier for the @adidas Arizona Kicks. Lol strait movie, Riots broke out and all that. #Arizona #adidas pic.twitter.com/l53vQEVtNg
— Smokey (@Smokey_Shoes)
By 3am EST, the line was over a block long as people stood in the rain to ensure their access to the shoes, according to reports on social media.
The line for the Arizona Adidas is over a block long as of 3am and those brave souls are camping in the rain pic.twitter.com/kpdRlnqIwe
— saint (@Saint_Etzer)
On Thursday, the NYPD responded to the scene at 208 Bowery after thousands of eager fans showed up to purchase a pair of the shoes.
Omg I’m working from home today and went to an adidas x Arizona iced tea pop up and it’s madness luv pic.twitter.com/Zcl7xkkhCa
— d0m (@domthuhbalm)
The large crowd eventually turned violent, according to the New York Post, which reports one person was removed by ambulance and police made two arrests after a fight broke out.
According to AriZona iced tea, it is working to “remedy the situation”.
Thanks to our loyal fans that came out to support our partnership with Adidas. Due to overwhelming demand and safety concerns, the NYPD shutdown our pop-up. We sincerely apologize to all our fans that waited in line. We are actively working to remedy the situation.
— AriZona Iced Tea (@DrinkAriZona)
The price is on the shoe, though. #adiZona99 #adidasOriginalsxAriZona
A post shared by AriZona Iced Tea (@drinkarizona) on Jul 13, 2019 at 9:36am PDT
“Thanks to our loyal fans that came out to support our partnership with Adidas,” the beverage company wrote on Twitter. “Due to overwhelming demand and safety concerns, the NYPD shutdown our pop-up.
“We sincerely apologise to all our fans that waited in line. We are actively working to remedy the situation.”
The NYPD referred The Independent to the event organisers for further information regarding the planned pop-up.
The Independent has contacted AriZona iced tea and Adidas for comment.
Online, the limited-edition sneakers are reportedly reselling for $200, according to Sole Collector.
