(Image Source: The Indianapolis Star)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE
 

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Havoc at malls across the United States as Nike releases its new line of Air Jordan’s.  Reports of gunfire, pepper spray, and unruly crowds as shoppers battle for position in line.  Here’s the Slate Star with a quick roundup of the days events.

“In Indianapolis police were dispatched to two malls for crowd control. Four people have been arrested in an Atlanta mall, one for leaving her two toddlers in the car.  Police had to pepper spray a crowd in Seattle. “

Fox News has some of the footage of people going nuts for the sneakers.  The network also explains why it’s happening.

“Up to 1,500 people showed up at individual stores and malls across the country, in some cases you see they are pushing and shoving, shooting, fighting, smashing and trampling their way inside to try and be among the first to grab a pair of the limited edition kicks the Nike Air Jordan 11’s. ... The Jordans cost $180 bucks in stores but can be resold for $500 a pair and it is already happening online, a number of websites which may help to explain the numerous fights and arrests across the country. ...  Nike makes $1 billion a year on Air Jordans and sales are stronger than ever.”

The Air Jordan craze was a dangerous reality back in the 90’s as there were reports of several shootings over the shoes.  That craze - in a lesser fashion - appears to be back. The Kalamazoo Gazette spoke with one fanatic who describes what it’s like - and shows off his new pair.

“It’s crazy what people do for Jordan’s. It’s unbelievable.  … They special because they rare. If you got a pair on you hot. You the stuff. Make you feel happy.  I don’t know why. I guess you fly.  … This is the shoe everybody fought over. Concords, a little bit of purple. That’s why they call em’ Concrods.”

And if you ask some of those buying the shoes - they blame Nike.  The Christian Science Monitor calls that - good marketing.

“Some sneakerheads have criticized the company for limiting the production run in order to create a frenzy, which the strategy – given the general mall mayhem witnessed overnight – certainly accomplished.”