Former CEO Mitchell Modell launches new online venture inspired by Modell’s legacy
A familiar name in New York sporting goods is making a return — but not through the current Modell’s website.
Former Modell’s Sporting Goods CEO Mitchell Modell announced Monday the launch of a new online retail venture inspired by the historic New York brand, beginning with a limited-edition T-shirt celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA championship.
New business is separate from current Modell’s website
Mitchell Modell emphasized that the new venture is independent of the existing Modell’s brand and website operated by Retail Ecommerce Ventures.
After Modell’s Sporting Goods filed for bankruptcy and closed its stores in 2020, the company’s intellectual property, including the Modell’s name and website, was acquired by Retail Ecommerce Ventures. That company continues to operate the Modell’s online store.
Mitchell Modell’s new business is not affiliated with Retail Ecommerce Ventures or its Modell’s website. Instead, he is launching a separate online storefront under his own name at mitchellmodells.com.
A New York retail institution
Modell’s Sporting Goods was founded in Manhattan in 1889 by Morris Modell, beginning as a pushcart business before growing into one of the region’s best-known sporting goods chains.
At its peak, the company operated more than 150 stores across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Mitchell Modell said changing shopping habits and the rise of e-commerce contributed to declining sales, leading to the closure of all stores in 2020.
Knicks title run sparked renewed interest
Modell said fan reaction during the Knicks’ championship run highlighted how much nostalgia still exists for the longtime retailer.
According to Modell, social media comments from fans wishing the chain were still around during the playoff run helped inspire the launch of the new online venture.
The first item being sold is an “I Heart Knodell’s” T-shirt featuring a pigeon, which Modell described as an unofficial symbol of New York City.
Could physical stores return?
For now, the business will operate exclusively online.
However, Modell said during Monday’s announcement that he hopes to eventually bring the concept into physical retail spaces, with a long-term goal of opening storefronts by 2030.
How to buy the shirt
The limited-edition “I Heart Knodell’s” shirt and other merchandise are available through Mitchell Modell’s new online storefront.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Former Modell’s CEO launches new online venture after Knicks title run
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
