What's Happening With Urban Necessities?
PublishedQuick Facts
- Urban Necessities is facing allegations of not paying cosignees
- Users on social media are claiming the company is not responding to their emails and messages
- Some have claimed they have had to wait months before receiving money for products that sold
- As of now, Urban Necessities has not provided a comment on these allegations
Urban Necessities, once regarded as one of the world's most prominent sneaker consignment shops, is now facing a wave of public scrutiny. In recent weeks, a growing number of individuals across social media have accused the company of failing to pay out money owed to consignees.
The company was founded in 2014 by Jaysse Lopez, who built the brand from scratch after experiencing homelessness, transforming it into a consignment powerhouse with nearly $21 million in sales by 2019 and even an investment from American Eagle. Over time, Lopez stepped back from day-to-day operations, and The Shoe Surgeon, a renowned sneaker customizer, became a partial owner.
Allegations of Unpaid Consignments
The core of the controversy centers around allegations from consignees who claim they’ve sold items through Urban Necessities but have not received payment. Posts across Instagram, Facebook, and X show users claiming that they’ve been waiting weeks—or even months—for funds they are owed. Many also report that their attempts to contact the company via email have gone unanswered, leaving them frustrated and without clear recourse.
While the total number of affected individuals is unclear, the number of people in comment sections and posting about it on social media points to this being a large issue. Obviously, the sneaker resell market is not where it was years ago, and we’ve seen consignment shops go under after not paying their consignees money.
Social Media Fallout
As frustrations mounted, many affected users began airing their grievances publicly on social media and commenting on their posts. In one recent instance, the company allegedly deleted an Instagram post after its comment section was flooded with complaints from consignees asking where their money was. On Facebook and X, similar threads have emerged, with users warning others about their experiences and telling people to get their consigned inventory back before it's too late.
A Crisis of Trust in Consignment
In the sneaker resale world, trust is everything. Consignment shops like Urban Necessities operate on the premise that sellers can confidently hand over valuable sneakers and expect timely, secure payment once they’re sold. When that system breaks down—or even appears to—confidence in the entire model begins to erode.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, Urban Necessities has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations. Numerous individuals have reported emailing the company with no reply, and efforts to get in contact through social media have largely gone unanswered. Sole Retriever reached out to Urban Necessities for comment, but we have not received a response at the time of publication.
While these are still just allegations, the volume of complaints and the lack of communication from the company have sparked growing concern within the sneaker community. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
