Nike protest at Chapel Hills Mall creates long lines of customers

A local sports store owner made the decision to sell Nike merchandise at a significant discount after the Nike ad featuring Colin Kaepernick sparked social controversy.

The former N.F.L. quarterback has been at the center of many debates since 2016 after he began kneeling for the national anthem.

Employees at Prime Time Sports say they knew selling Nike gear half off would affect business, but they had no idea just how big the lines of people who showed before their doors even opened.

“When we cracked the doors, probably 40 people waiting in line,” said employee Stephen Martin.

Many customers, like Brandon Anderson, saw the lines on KRDO and decided to make the trip out to the mall for discounts.

“I saw it last night I think it was actually on your guys’ post on Facebook,” said Anderson.

“If they don’t want to support Nike, I’ll gladly support Nike,” said another customer William Gries.

But Martin also has his supporters.

“If the lines weren’t quiet as long I would have stood in line to buy something non-Nike,” said Leslie Schwender.

“He said I can’t afford it, but it’s a principal and that I agree with,” said Thomas Frank.

The new ad is a close up picture of Kaepernick with the quote, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

To Quincy Babers and Carol Cook, the ad means so much more.

“Dream, hope, never give up regardless of what it costs or whatever you have to sacrifice,” Babers said.

“Take a stand even if you lose everything,” Cook said.

Despite the controversy, Martin says he feels at peace with his decision.

The store expects to get rid of all of their Nike attire by Monday.