Kmart launched “The Rise Challenge” – an “epic parking lot slam dunk contest” to help launch Risewear, a new lifestyle athleisure footwear brand being sold exclusively through Kmart.
“We are thrilled to launch such a contemporary lifestyle brand,” said Demetrius Spencer, Risewear co-founder and chief executive officer. “We could not have asked for a better partner than Kmart, who is supporting us in delivering a premium product at a value-driven price point.”
The line features shoes for the whole family, including men’s basketball, athletic and casual shoes and sandals, all under $45.00. Additionally, women’s and kids’ lines will be added this holiday season.
“This ridiculously awesome new brand and first-of-its kind partnership is a slam dunk for our members and shoppers,” said Kelly Cook, chief marketing officer at Kmart. “This furthers our commitment to offering products our Kmart members want at prices they can’t pass up.”
Kmart is selling Risewear footwear select stores and Kmart.com/risewear.
The Tip-Off Event: The Rise Challenge
To celebrate the exclusive launch, Kmart is sponsoring The Rise Challenge, a series of interactive and unique fan-focused sporting entertainment experiences. The events feature competitions between some of the world’s top dunkers on custom branded half-courts at Kmart parking lots in six cities around the country. The marquee attraction is the epic dunk contest featuring current Risewear athlete and veteran dunker Taurian “Air Up There” Fontenette along with the nation’s top four dunkers, Chris Staples, Guy Dupuy, Porter Maberry and Jonathan Clark, as they lay it all on the line in competition for the grand prize.
The first Rise Challenge champion will receive a signature capsule collection contract with Risewear, which will include a self-designed shoe in their own name, an apparel and accessories line and the brag-worthy title of Risewear Brand Ambassador for one year.
The events also feature free customization stations where fans can add a unique laser printed design to their new shoes, such as a name, number, hometown or initials, or have them airbrushed by a graffiti artist (a $200 value!). This luxurious amenity makesKmart and Risewear the first-ever value-driven lifestyle brand to offer customized products.
The Rise Challenge kicks off with a mega-launch and blowout party in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, July 16 to get fans hyped for a summer of unbelievable performances. After the Los Angeles event, the dunk contest will dribble across the nation, featuring meet and greet events and fan experiences in the following cities:
- July 17 – Kmart North Hollywood (13007 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA 91605)
- July 23 – Kmart Hayward (26231 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94544)
- July 30 – Kmart Miami (12350 South West 8th Street, Miami, FL 33184)
- August 6 – Kmart Washington D.C (6411 Riggs Road, Hayattsville, MD 20783)
- August 13 – Kmart Jersey City (321 Stadium Plaza, Suite. 10, Jersey City, NJ 07305-4877)
- August 20 – Kmart Chicago (3443 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60618)
