ANNISTON, ALABAMA WOMAN FEATURED IN NEWEST HIBBETT SMALL-TOWN SNEAKERHEAD

April 26, 2023 at 13:03 PM EDT

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Hibbett, Inc. (NASDAQ:HIBB), an athletic-inspired fashion retailer with more than 1,100 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores nationwide, today announced the latest release of the exclusive Small-Town Sneakerhead (STSH) series celebrating sneaker culture. The newest episode features 24 year-old Amari Fleming of Anniston, Alabama, a Physical Therapy Tech whose father inspired her to collect sneakers.

“Small-Town Sneakerhead is an homage to unique and interesting sneaker collectors from unexpected small pockets of the country,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, VP Marketing, Hibbett. “Hibbett was founded in the great state of Alabama and we enjoy featuring another sneaker fan with a passion for her hometown and hearing about why she loves Anniston.”

In the latest Small-Town Sneakerhead episode, Fleming, who has a degree in Exercise Science and works as a Physical Therapy Tech, says that she loves her small town of Anniston, Alabama because her father’s family originated there. She is proud of Anniston’s significant civil rights history that takes place there including that it was a stopping point in 1961 for the Freedom Riders. Some of Fleming’s favorite spots in Anniston include; Quintard Mall, for movies and shopping, Crab Barrack for seafood and Choccolocco Park for beautiful scenery, biking, hiking and kayaking and to catch practices and games for the minor league baseball team, the Choccolocco Monsters.

Small-Town Sneakerhead Amari Fleming of Anniston, Alabama credit: Sebastian Jimenez

Fleming was inspired to start collecting sneakers by her father who had his own sneaker collection. “Growing up I always enjoyed streetwear and always wanted to own a pair of Jordan’s. When I got my first full time job, I was finally able to buy my own pair and now there are approximately 75 pairs in my collection. What draws me to a pair of sneakers is the uniqueness of the design, how rare they are, a pair that will hold value and something that I know not a lot of people have. The top three things a pair has to have are a story, a unique silhouette and a color that pops.”

“Being a sneakerhead means that not only do you enjoy collecting sneakers, but you also enjoy learning about the story and value behind the sneaker. Wearing sneakers allows us to tell a story without even speaking. What’s special about sneaker culture is just appreciating the story and value of a sneaker. It’s interesting to see how sneakers appreciate in value, like jewelry or fine wine, collecting shoes is like enjoying and collecting art. In my collection I’m most proud that I was able to secure the Nike Concepts X Dunk Low Orange Lobsters and the Air Jordan 1Retro High OG Denim.”

"It was a great pleasure to highlight Amari and her story - a homegrown sneakerhead in Alabama, where Hibbett was founded,” said Matt Halfhill, Founder and CEO, Nice Kicks. “It was even more special to tell a story of Nike Air and its versatile and timeless style as a staple for everyone no matter your age or where you call home.”

About Small-Town Sneakerhead

In 2020, Hibbett launched the Small-Town Sneakerhead project to provide sneakerheads from all walks of life the platform to share their personal sneaker narrative. Produced in partnership with Nike and Nice Kicks, the series highlights the evolving sneaker scene and enthusiasts from across the country. Hibbett has featured collectors from East Buffalo, NY, Cheyenne, WY, Hampton, VA, Cape Girardeau, MO, Murphy, TX, Hopkinsville, KY, Lafayette, LA, Crosby, TX, Sandy Springs, GA and St. George, UT with more coming soon.

About Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1133 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores, located in 36 states nationwide. Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us @hibbettsports and @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.