Entrepreneurs Ton Heerze and Rick Venus are set to launch ReSneaker in Hengelo, offering stylish refurbished sneakers at accessible prices, while also engaging young workers in the refurbishment process.
Entrepreneurs Ton Heerze and Rick Venus are set to launch a new sneaker store called ReSneaker in Hengelo, located at the intersection of Molenstraat and Nieuwstraat, on Saturday, March 29, at 10:00 AM. The pair has garnered significant interest even before their official opening, reflecting the demand for unique and fashionable footwear. “We’re not open on Nieuwstraat yet, but there’s already interest in what we’re going to offer here,” Heerze remarked.
The concept behind ReSneaker is to provide stylish, refurbished second-hand sneakers at a more accessible price point. The shoes range in price from 100 to 700 euros, making it possible for customers to acquire high-fashion or limited edition sneakers without breaking the bank. For instance, Heerze showcased a Nike Air Max One in the Parra model, a limited edition valued at 800 euros when new, explaining the significance of the design created by Dutch artist Piet Parra.
Venus and Heerze met via email, where Heerze proposed scaling up Venus’s existing refurbishment efforts. “What if that could become forty pairs a week?” He outlined, which led to the formation of ReSneaker. Venus had previously refurbished approximately four pairs weekly at his Color Factory shop on the same street.
The sourcing of shoes for refurbishment is a global effort, with Venus and Heerze scouring various platforms and regions for sneakers, tapping into sources like Vinted, eBay, and Marktplaats. “We receive sneakers from people who no longer wear them or they donate them to us because they find this a sympathetic project,” Heerze said.
A unique aspect of ReSneaker is its resourcefulness in providing opportunities for young people distanced from the labor market. Under supervision, they will engage in the refurbishment process, which includes deep cleaning and repainting of the sneakers. “The sneakers receive a complete refresh, with leather cleaning and suede brushing. They look like new afterwards,” Venus explained while displaying a refurbished pair. The young workers will also gain valuable experience in sales as they assist in running the store, learning about inventory management along the way.
Both entrepreneurs share a deep-rooted passion for sneakers. Heerze, a collector, boasts a collection of ten pairs, while Venus is described as an expert with around a hundred pairs. His infatuation with sneakers dates back to childhood when his uncle gifted him the latest Nikes, leaving a lasting impression that he commemorated with a sneaker tattoo on his forearm. “How I feel in the morning determines which sneaker I wear. Wearing a sneaker gives a certain feeling. It’s hard to explain,” he elaborated on the emotional connection he has with his footwear.
ReSneaker plans to stock approximately seven hundred pairs of refurbished sneakers at launch, with new shipments arriving weekly. The store will also offer a cleaning service for customers looking to maintain their sneakers. Furthermore, Heerze and Venus have plans to expand beyond Hengelo, aiming to open a second store in Enschede within six months and potentially establishing a presence in three cities in the Twente region within a year.
As the opening day approaches, Heerze and Venus are preparing to welcome sneaker enthusiasts to a store that not only offers fashionable options but also emphasizes sustainability and community involvement through its refurbishment program.
Source: Noah Wire Services
