The year was 1990 and I was 9 years old when Modell’s set up shop in my hometown of Freeport New York. By that point they were in business for 100 years and I was super hyped to have another store filled with sneaker goodness.
For years they would run alongside a local Toys R Us, grocery store and discount spot where everyone would go to get cheap drinks and food and for years that shopping center would be filled to capacity.
It would also be where many picked up Champion & Russel Athletic hoodies, Carhartt, Jersey’s and various gear and sports equipment. When The black/red Nike Air Jordan IV returned for the first time it was that Freeport location that I would get my first look. I still remember my good friend Los -who worked there at the time- giving me a call and just telling me to get over there quick. When I arrived he had in his hand the Kids version of the 99 4 and we just sat there in awe -for whatever reason that specific store didn’t receive men’s sizes-. A few weeks later a group of us skipped school in the morning and ran out to another nearby Modell’s that carried the 4’s and were able to pick them up before everyone and at a 20 percent discount.
Over the next couple of a years (and by couple I mean about 3 or 4 years) Modell’s would still be a stop for the occasional footwear purchase and or fitted hat/Jersey but there was certainly change in the air brewing and Modell’s didn’t smell it.
In the past 15 years I have been inside a Modell’s maybe 5 times and purchased maybe one item (a basketball pump). Their customer service was non existent, their selection of footwear boring, their prices terrible and overall the store had become dated. Struggle was in the air and the look on the cashiers face represented that well.
The world had clearly passed Modell’s by as their offerings were just far to bland and stale and their prices horrendous. Over the years every time I would drive by that Modell’s in Freeport I wondered how it was even possible that it was still open and how it had sustained for so long but it’s clear that its time had come and gone. While it will be sad to see it go in some ways the fact that I -a long with many others- haven’t stepped foot inside a Modell’s many times in the past 20 years makes this departure easy. Farewell Modell’s, you will never be forgotten.