Derrick Coleman: Shoe Dealer
Snyx in DetroitYou know the story: Retired superstar athlete opens a business in his hometown. Whether it’s a club or a restaurant, players often aim to branch out from basketball once their playing days are over, using their name-recognition to capitalize on a money-making opportunity. Former NBA All-Star and ’91 Rookie of the Year Derrick Coleman has followed suit, but for a totally different cause.
Coleman, who played 15 years in the League, purchased some land in his native Detroit years ago, and over time developed the area into a strip mall. The mall is home to many different businesses, such as a cell phone store, a barbershop, and different eateries. But the centerpiece of it all is Snyx Sneaker Boutique (pronounced “sneaks”), a Nike-exclusive store that carries limited-edition kicks only available in Detroit. Snyx is the icing on DC’s “Commerce for Community” project.
“I bought land in the west side of Detroit because I’m from here and I know the history. There hasn’t been any economic development in this area for 40 years,” says Coleman.
“We wanted to give back to our community, the community that helped us get to where we are,” says Tarence Wheeler, Coleman’s childhood friend and business partner. “Yes, making money is an aspect of this, but it isn’t why we’re doing this.”
The Snyx layout is serious. Designed to emulate a bar, the sneakers are displayed on the walls like bottles, while metal bar stools line the store. Coleman is convinced that his spot is a breath of fresh air and second-to-none in the oversaturated world of sneaker boutiques. “The bar concept came from a friend of mine,” he says. “The sneakers are displayed like liquor would be displayed in a bar, and customers can come in, sit down at a stool and pick their sneakers.”
To read the rest of this article, as well as get more info on Snyx and other sneaker-related material, pick up a copy of Dime #39 at a bookstore or newsstand near you.
Photos courtesy of Snyx
February 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
duece says:
the concept is bangin…and im glad it came out so well. i wish more people, especially colored people got the shine they deserve for having a fresh idea like this so we don’t have to keep seeing the same old shit…
February 27th, 2008 at 10:26 am
bsteezy3 says:
Wow…very fancy…
February 27th, 2008 at 11:12 am
ty akins says:
i love dc store i go every weekend for new joints and its close to my crib
February 27th, 2008 at 11:12 am
jay says:
yeah i heard about this..props to DC…i would check it out..my boy was telling me about this!
February 27th, 2008 at 11:30 am
GEE... let the finger waving commence! says:
DC is still a bum. I like his store though.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Celts Fan says:
nice store, but really, “wooptie damn doo.” (not really, it’s pretty sweet actually, but you gotta bring that one back. that was classic…)
February 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
nick says:
store looks tight and the concept was real good.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Dave says:
Major props to DC! That’s putting your money where your mouth is, and reinvesting in the community.
I miss seeing DC on the court. I can’t think of even one player to compare to him, and all of his versatility.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
CCB says:
Did deuce just drop the infamous “colored people”? Great looking store though. Come on D, colored people? Who are you Uncle Ruckus from the Boondocks? Is he under contract with Nike or can other sneaker companies possibly get play there? Colored People…yeesh
May 18th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
angela says:
when r u going to opening up a coney island and where can i apply for a job.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Andrea Isabel says:
I’m so glad to see to my dear friend Tarence. A big hug from Cali,Colombia. Andrea
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 am
ernest williams says:
Derrick Coleman is, and always be, a lazy bum that didn’t reach his potential!
His giving back is as fake as he is! Its all about lining their pockets after blowing the money they made in pro sports……but keep trying DC