Sneaker store opens by U of L campus after facing a series of hardships

By Samuel Dick

Despite facing theft, property damage and multiple relocations, a sneaker and streetwear resale store near the University of Louisville’s campus has grown from a high school side hustle to a rapidly expanding local business.

SNKRplug, owned by U of L students Ethan Skees and Jason Perkins, specializes in buying, selling and trading sneakers. Streetwear and vintage clothing are also sold at the location. Skees originally entered the resale market as a freshman in high school, selling shoes he’d outgrown online.

“I put them up for about $50 each, and they all sold immediately,” Skees said. “That’s when I realized there was a market for this sort of thing.”

A customer examines a shoe at SNKRplug, Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by Samuel Dick / The Louisville Cardinal)

SNKRplug jumps from digital to physical

This budding business eventually led Skees to open a physical storefront in Fern Creek in July of 2024. As the business grew, Skees brought in Perkins as a co-owner. Perkins operates a separate section of the store dedicated to streetwear. This allows SNKRplug to cater to both sneaker collectors and fashion-focused customers under one roof.

SNKRplug operates as a buy, sell and trade store, getting most of its inventory from the community. Customers regularly bring in shoes they no longer wear, ranging from single pairs to collections of hundreds. Skees also occasionally travels long distances to pick up large collections, ranging anywhere from 200–300 pairs.

Three statuettes on top of a display case, each of them holding a shoe at SNKRplug, Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by Samuel Dick / The Louisville Cardinal)

Store faces robberies and property damage

In mid-2025, the business faced a major challenge. According to Skees, an individual gained after-hours access to the store and stole nearly $6,000 worth of merchandise. When Skees attempted to recover the stolen goods, the situation escalated.

“They came back the next night with hammers and smashed the windows and front door,” Skees said. “I started waking up in the middle of the night just to check the cameras.”

The damage forced SNKRplug to temporarily shut down and relocate its inventory. While trying to prepare a new location, the business suffered additional losses when a leak in the building damaged thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Then, after months of renovations, the landlord sold the property, forcing Skees to vacate again.

After months of searching, SNKRplug found its current home on the corner of South Shelby Street and East Burnett Ave, close to U of L’s campus. This new location allows the business to keep its sneaker and clothing operations connected while remaining distinct.

Stepping into new business opportunities

Looking ahead, Skees said SNKRplug has several major goals, including a potential partnership with the NFL’s youth flag football league. The store also hopes to sign a long-term lease and expand their revenue significantly over the next few years, as well as launch their own clothing line.

Community engagement is a priority for SNKRplug. Skees plans to host monthly cookouts in the warmer months and continue to do pop-up events on U of L’s campus, including collaborations with student organizations and athletic teams.

“We want people to be able to come in even if they’re on a budget,” Skees said. “Our thing isn’t just $400 shoes. We want people to come in and grab a $15 hoodie or a vintage t-shirt for $10.”

SNKRplug aims to position itself as an accessible option for students and locals alike, offering sneakers and streetwear at a range of prices while also building a strong connection to the Louisville community.