StockX is revolutionizing global e-commerce one pair of sneakers at a time.
StockX Co-Founder Josh Luber has successfully turned his passion for sneakers into a unicorn start-up creating a cult-like following of sneakerheads along the way.
EXP: What is the “stock market of things?”
JL: StockX is an ecommerce platform that is an evolution of eBay but our markets operate similar to the world’s stock market.
EXP: You’re from Philly, how did StockX HQ end up in Detroit?
JL: Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans owner, Dan Gilbert is a co-founder and it made sense to move from Philly to Detroit to utilize resources he already had in place to help get us off the ground.
EXP: StockX has a cult-like celebrity following with investors like Eminem, Mark Wahlberg, and Karlie Kloss – what is the draw to the brand?
JL: I think it’s less of a draw to the brand but more so to the business model which is the reason we’ve been fortunate to have celebrities and high-profile investors support us. Sneakers or the NBA may be how people like Mark Wahlberg learn about the brand, but it’s really about this bigger idea and transformative business model which is truly revolutionary.
EXP: What’s the drill for entertaining out of town investors in Detroit? What spots are you taking them to?
JL: Most of our guests stay at the Shinola Hotel and we take them on a customized tour through our HQ, authentication, and distribution centers. When it comes to food, if you’re going to go eat anywhere it would be Leila or Taqueria El Rey.
EXP: What does it mean to for StockX to join the unicorn club, and how does this impact the resale industry?
JL: You don’t go from zero to a billion overnight. It’s been a slow and gradual growth and we still feel like it’s day zero here. We’re just getting started and have so much growth in front of us. StockX has made the re-sale sneaker market better, safer, easier and more efficient.
EXP: How many pairs of sneakers do you own and what’s the secret to curating a killer sneaker collection?
JL: I think right now the number is just north of 400.
The key to a killer sneaker collection is to buy what you like and wear them.
EXP: What are you wearing right now?
JL: Great question! I’m wearing slip on Pumas that I don’t even know the name of. I bought them at Nordstrom in 2002 and I thought they looked great. No one is going to stop me on the street and say those are heat but I like them because they are comfortable and different.
EXP: What’s next for Stock X?
JL: The three main areas for StockX’s growth are international expansion, adding more verticals (in addition to sneakers, watches, handbags, streetwear, and collectibles), and working directly with brands to release products directly into the marketplace.
EXP: As Detroit continues to grow, what are you most looking forward to?
JL: We’re looking forward to continuing to be a part of the Detroit scene. We’re super fortunate to help grow the city. I always say Detroit is a start-up city so if you’re an entrepreneur you now get to be a part of that story.
