FirstCuts: Jordan Release Gets More Expensive

By Chris Littmann

Sports don't start and end with a referee's whistle. FirstCuts, a blog dedicated to sports culture, will cover everything outside the lines, from games to gear.

As we've detailed on FirstCuts numerous times, the Air Jordan XX3 is coming. With it, comes a special release next week -- Jan. 25 -- where 23 retailers selected by Jordan Brand will each have 23 pairs of the "Titanium" colorway of the Air Jordan XX3. The MSRP is $230 (yikes!). But after making a few phone calls today, it's clear that even if you somehow brave the cold and camp out for a few days to get these, there's probably a 50-50 shot you won't even get a chance to pay MSRP.

[img=http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1469/xx3blueaw9.jpg]

Of the 23 stores to carry the limited version, 22 have been revealed, according to a list found on Jumpman23.com. Through calls made on Friday, I found eight of the 12 non-national chain stores were either marking up the price or non-committal on a price, which usually means you can expect a markup. Because I'm working off the assumption that all national chains will charge standard MSRP, here's a store-by-store breakdown of the regional shops getting the release.

Kicks, Walters, DTLR, Expressions: MSRP.
Jimmy Jazz, Moe's, UNDFTD, Sheikh, R. Sole: No price.
Millennium Shoes: $250.
The Shoe Gallery: $235-250 (price undecided based on extra security being brought in for their event).
Sneaker Villa: Limited event requiring $25 ticket (150 tickets being sold for a chance to buy one of the 23 available pairs at MSRP, starting Tuesday, Jan. 22).

I can deal with the minimal markup many stores will tack on for additional security; things used to get crazy, and with something this limited I don't blame them. However, it seems all but assured some stores will go above and beyond that mark next week.

When it comes down to it, the price Jordan Brand hands down is MSRP -- it's suggested. Customers ultimately vote with their wallets on this one. But beyond what I consider to be price gouging on the part of stores, where is Jordan Brand on this one? Was part of the criteria for qualifying as a top 23 retailer something about screwing over your customer base? If Jordan Brand has any sense of loyalty to its customer base, it will step in and remind stores to sell (for the already extremely high) price of $230.

A little corporate responsibility sure would be nice.

UPDATE: Previously, we had posted that, based on information from a source, R. Sole in St. Louis would be selling the Titanium XX3 for more than double face value.

R. Sole manager Joe Wilson contacted Sporting News Friday evening to deny the report. He also said the store has yet to receive its shipment and the store -- like four others we’ve listed -- remains undecided on the price it will charge.

UPDATE No. 2: As previously noted, the 23rd store had not been revealed early on Friday. That has changed on Jumpman23.com. The 23rd store is Synx in Chicago. Because the store was posted after business hours, there is no word on what their plans are for Friday.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.