Having an affordable brand available to the masses is not an easy choice. Air Jordans fetch anywhere from $150 to $200 for the latest pair of kicks. That’s why Shaquille O’Neal started his own Shaq brand, where the sneakers currently range between $20 -$40. Previously, there was another NBA star who did the same with his brand, ‘Starbury’. Stephon Marbury recently spoke about the challenges, as China’s son-in-law explained the challenges associated with it.
“With all of the things that’s going on in the world with tariffs and you know, it’s hard, especially trying to sell product at a price point that’s affordable for people. So, for me to be able to have the ability to have a vertical platform from China to America to sell products to people at an affordable price, it’s a blessing.” The former point guard played in the NBA for 13 seasons till 2009 and then continued his basketball endeavors with the CBA, where he later became a head coach.
In April, he announced his marriage to Wang Yuling, a talented singer from Wuhan. Marbury, residing in mainland China in recent years, also obtained a Hong Kong ID card through the Top Talent Pass Scheme in Hong Kong in 2023. So the 48-year-old speaking about tariff issues is logical. The two countries have been at loggerheads since Trump launched a new US-China trade war in early April, with US tariffs on Chinese goods now at 145% while China’s retaliatory tariffs have reached 125%.
“But still it’s still a challenge. So coming back with the brand is something that has to happen. That’s one of the reasons why I gave up 15 years of my life to go to another country to learn how to do something for myself and not have somebody have to tell me how to do it.” Previously, his Starburys were sold for just $15 sneakers back in 2006.
Stephon Marbury’s other brands and his commitment to Starbury continue
The New York native also serves as the Chief Brand Officer for Chamelo Eyewear. With their revolutionary tech, they have 3 collections that all serve a different purpose. Sport: Tint-changing performance sunglasses Lifestyle: Tint-changing lenses for everyday style Prismatic: The world’s first color-changing sunglasses. Apart from this, he launched his lifestyle brand in 2019.
Xavier3 carries the name derived from Stephon Marbury’s middle name and his jersey number 3. It focuses on environmental materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and trendy techniques that offer a range of stylish apparel to consumers. Amidst all this, the thought process about bringing Starbury back is not lost on the Coney Island native.
“I want to drop it next summer,” Stephon Marbury said to Complex about the potential return of Starbury. “Because after 2025, going into 2030, we’re going to see a whole new breed of athletes.” This was just last month, and his continued stance recently signifies his interest in bringing an affordable lifestyle experience back. But he is cautious, as China and the USA are still in the process of reaching an amicable solution amid the tariff wars.
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