November 11, 2020

Home For The Holidays: Under Retail

Pete Forester

Pete is a writer, host, and producer based in New York City. He is the Editorial Director of StockX.

The hottest gifts don't have to be at the highest prices - some of the best picks of the season are available for less than you'd have to pay at the store. We found them all for you.

The hottest gifts don't have to be at the highest prices - some of the best picks of the season are available for less than you'd have to pay at the store. We found them all for you.

This article is part 5 of 40 in the series: Home For The Holidays

Holiday shopping doesn’t always mean you have to break the bank, sometimes you can find a great deal. While big-budget buys always grab attention and headlines, we’re just as excited about those sneakers, collectibles, and clothes that dip under their original retail price and provide an opportunity for a deal (or a steal). These are some of our favorites for the holidays that are currently priced for less than you’d have to pay at the store. The nature of a living marketplace is that while we see these products under retail most of the time, they may pop back up every now and then depending on demand – so grab the deals when you see them.

OFF-WHITE x Nike Womens NRG Short Black

Everyone knows that OFF-WHITE has made a name for themselves for being one of the best bets in the market. OFF-WHITE collaborations are practically guaranteed to pop off when it comes to resale prices and price premiums, but every now and then they drop a release that gets overlooked, and that just means it’s the perfect piece to swipe up for a steal. These OFF-WHITE x Nike NRG Shorts are designed to run in, but they make a great lounger whether you’re staying active or not. They’re just short enough to show off all your favorite assets, no matter who you are and what you’re walking with.

OFF-WHITE x Nike Womens Tights Black

We love these tights from the same collection as the OFF-WHITE x Nike NRG Shorts because the contrast stitching makes for flattering sculpting and a heck of a design. The bold waist band gets all the branding you could ever want out in the open but presented in tones that don’t grab unwanted attention. These tights will make outdoor exercise a lot warmer in cooler weather, but don’t let that limit your wear: exercise tights are always in season, and when they look this good, they’re a steal at any price.

OFF-WHITE Industrial Belt (SS19) Black

Before OFF-WHITE even dreamed up teaming up with Nike and Jordan, creating a high watermark for all sneaker collaborations, one of the most recognizable pieces from Virgil Abloh’s famed brand was the bright yellow Industrial Belt reminiscent of caution tape. The fashion fan must-have has developed over the years, including into a black and grey version that keeps the look monochromatic and supremely sophisticated. Aside from the visuals, the belts are known for being extra long, promising a bevy of styling options for any situation.

Nike x UN LeBron James More Than An Athlete Hoodie Black

Athletes have always played an outsized role in the same cultures that collide on StockX, and few figures have proven their enormous power off the court as well as LeBron James has. Whether it’s through his extensive charitable work, media empire, or apparel, James carries a message that millions connect with. And now you can grab a piece of that legacy for yourself or a loved one at a great price. The Nike x UN LeBron James More Than An Athlete Hoodie offers all the cozy necessary for the colder seasons with subtle enough colors to match any wardrobe. The message is clear but speaks gently through the design that anyone can vibe with.

 

Dior x KAWS Bee Charm Yellow

It’s rare to get luxury pieces for under retail, and even rarer to see collaborative luxury pieces appear for less than you’d have to pay at the store, but we’re loving that you can catch the Dior x KAWS Bee Charm for the low low. The famed Brooklyn-based artist teamed up with streetwear’s current fashion fave on this beautiful piece that buzzes with charm. Whether you’re grabbing it for yourself or your honey, the lower price really takes the sting out of the transaction.

Nike Air Force 1 Low White 07

More ink has been spilled on Nike’s Air Force 1 than any other shoe, and there’s little to add to it other than to say: if you don’t already have a pair, what’s the problem? This sensational staple is the foundation of any sneaker collection for any sneaker collector, novice or master. It doesn’t matter if they seem like a sartorial stretch, or too traditional to touch, the AF1 is a giant and at prices this low, it’s one you can afford to bring home.

Nike All Over Swoosh Logo Hoodie Black

It’s often said “You’re paying for the logo, not the clothes” but that’s not the case with Nike’s All Over Swoosh Logo Hoodie. This pullover sweatshirt is absolutely covered in embroidered logos, from cuff to collar, but the price is sitting well below retail. The swooshes are small enough that the details nearly disappear into a pattern to the naked eye, only coming into focus at close inspection. That means you can get all the versatility of a basic look without feeling like a walking billboard. It’s the perfect marriage of over-branding and minimalism.

Air Jordan 3 Retro Animal Instinct

Why stay subtle when you can go wild? Upon release, the Air Jordan 3 Animal Instinct joined a long tradition of wild prints and textures on classic silhouettes, popularized by atmos’ collaborations with Nike, but brought it almost to a whole new level. Zebra, tiger, and leopard print all converge on a black upper, done almost entirely in pony hair. The gum sole matches the prints’ neutral tones, mirroring the light range heel and lacing system. While the sneaker is wild, the prices are pretty tame, making these a docile domestic choice for a feral friend.

adidas Yeezy QNTM Barium

The adidas Yeezy QNTM initially dropped to insane fanfare in Chicago during the 2020 All-Star Weekend, filling streets with fans who were climbing all over themselves to trade their street worn sneakers for a new pair of the basketball shoes. But at the other end of this year, the sneakers have become much more accessible and this Barium colorway might be the best example. Cool grey suede caps the toe of a sneaker made up of Primeknit and rubber caging, in similar tones, on top of a translucent white midsole that fades in and out of beige to the outsole.

Supreme x The North Face RTG Jacket + Vest Bright Red

Supreme’s ongoing collaboration with The North Face is one of the regular tentpoles of the streetwear scene, resulting in incredible pieces that are covetously collected the world over season after season. And while nearly every piece is a banger, this RTG Jacket + Vest in Bright Red included, they don’t all pop off in terms of resell. That’s not always great if you’re looking to flip for a profit, but if you’re trying to get a sick jacket that will stand the test of time, this is the perfect time to grab it. This jacket is more than just a jacket: it features a contrasting, low-profile bag that acts as an added vest. That might explain the relatively high retail price that you won’t have to pay.

Nike x atmos NRG Vintage Patchwork Track Pant Black/Hyper Jade

Looking at our own catalog, we were amazed to find these pants at these prices. atmos is known for creating show-stopping collaborations with Nike, sneakers that have been grails for collectors for decades, so it’s amazing that you can grab the fruits of these collaborations for so little. These lightweight Track Pants feel luxe and carry the gravity of a collaboration with the price tag of a stocking stuffer, making them the perfect gift for the family member you never know how to please.

Matthew Senna Study 004 Sculpture White Resin

If you’re on StockX looking for gifts, you have some sneaker fans in your life – whether you’re related to them, friends, or are finding that fan in the mirror. Sneakers are great, but they’re more than just leather and rubber: they represent artists and athletes, collaborators and creators, designers and dreamers. This sculpture by Matthew Senna takes the Jordan 4 and turns it into a static work of art that would be the pride of any bookcase or display. Even at almost half price, the piece may be a little rich for some, but it’s a hard deal to pass up, especially for the true sneakerhead.

Nike Blazer Mid 77 Vintage White Black

Season after season we find ourselves suggesting the Nike Blazer Mid 77, not just in White Black, but in every color because season after season they provide classic styling available at accessible prices. The white leather base, bone suede, and vulcanized soles that carried trends in the 70s have never gone out of style, and each colorway provides its own burst of color to match any moment. While these are certified classics, not every collector has pairs of them in every color, so you can bet they’d be a welcome surprise for any holiday.

Apple AirPods Pro (MWP22AM/A, MWP22ZM/A)

Listen closely, because we’ve got a deal for you. It’s true that in the fast-paced improvement ecosystem of technology, every year sees greater advancements with broader capabilities and more affordable prices for all of our favorite electronics, but who could have predicted you’d see some of Apple’s most popular products available for less than the Apple store charges? You can currently find AirPods Pro, and a few other AirPods, for under retail prices right now on StockX. It’s a clear message that the future is as accessible as ever.

Gucci Bifold Wallet Signature Black

If you’re out doing your holiday shopping entirely on gifts that are under retail, you’re going to have a lot of money left over and you’re going to need a place to store it. This Gucci Bifold Wallet in Signature Black is covered from every side in debossed Gucci logos. The smooth leather gives way to the unique texture to make a look that’s as luxe as it is accessible. And since it’s also under retail, it’s a snowball effect of savings. This flashy little number is impressive no matter the price, and no one but you has to know you got a deal.

Gucci Double G Gold Buckle Leather Belt 1.5 Width Black

There’s a little bit of irony in the fact that this Gucci Double G Gold Buckle Leather Belt has made it to this list because this belt is absolutely made for the flex. Black belts are meant to fade into the contours and textures of an outfit, disappearing into the aesthetic, but that bold Gucci Buckle sings for attention. This will get you all that flex at a much lower price. Of course, there are some sizes that are closer to the expected range a Gucci Belt would normally fetch, but depending on what you need you may walk away with a great get.

Takashi Murakami x Doraemon Jigsaw Puzzle

You already know we’ve become huge fans of puzzles this year as the *general situation* has meant more time at home pursuing hobbies that might otherwise remain boxed up on the shelf. Takashi Murakami is a giant in the art space, and this collaboration between him and Doraemon creates a frenetic explosion of color in a kind of ecstatic expression on a puzzle. At 1000 pieces, this will take more than a single session to complete, but considering you can grab it on StockX for around half price, it’s a great investment with a high dollar to delight pay-off.

adidas Yeezy Boost 380 Mist

In recent years, Yeezy colorways have always flirted with their retail prices, bobbing around them threatening to dive but always maintaining enough height to ensure that they have a healthy life on the after-market without becoming inaccessible. But sometimes a Yeezy dips a little further and you can scoop up a steal. The adidas Yeezy Boost 380 in Mist combines warm and cool greys on a Primeknit upper to create an almost glacial look, while a swipe of beige up the lacing adds a jolt of color. These are currently under retail in almost every size.

AirJordan 5 Retro Fire Red Silver Tongue (2020)

It’s not super common to see one of the hottest sneakers of the season also routinely available for under retail. It’s true that for every piece you find below retail price there will be a size or two that are more costly than the rest, but we do see pairs of the Air Jordan 5 Fire Red dip below retail from time to time and that’s huge. Whether you’re looking for a crispy pair to flex during the holidays, an unexpectedly more affordable gift, or a canvas to create, these Fire Red Jordan 5s might be the ticket.