The Chicago Bulls have taken an interesting step in making it easier for fans to find second-and-third-hand items on their own.
The Bulls, the NBA’s second-largest franchise, have announced a new app that will let fans easily browse and purchase second- or third-party merchandise.
The app, called SecondHand and available for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, will launch this week.
Users will be able to browse items like second-sourced books and movies, clothing, toys, accessories, and even shoes and bags, which will then be purchased at an on-site shop.
SecondHand is the first app from the Bulls’ brand to offer both on- and off-site purchasing, as well as a second-level view of inventory.
It also gives users a way to see where other fans are shopping, whether they are on their way to a game or just in town.
“We want to give our fans the ability to have access to their inventory and find out what they need to shop for them,” Bulls spokesman Brad Sullivan told Business Insider.
“We wanted to give fans the tools to make that decision themselves.”
The app is free for all Bulls fans, but is priced at $4 per item.
A purchase will net you a $2 gift card, according to the app.
The move is a continuation of the Bulls franchise’s efforts to grow their second-party support and inventory, which has grown to more than 20 stores in the United States and Canada.
The team has a total of 17 stores in Chicago, including one in the Loop.
Secondhand will also allow fans to browse and shop through multiple third- and second-generation brands on their smartphone.
These third-generation merchandise items are typically less-expensive, and have more than double the inventory of their second or third generation counterparts.
“As a fan, you are the one that is responsible for making sure you have everything you need to buy what you want, when you want it, and that is where SecondHand comes in,” Bulls owner Tom Thibodeau said.
“When you buy secondhand, it’s just a snap.
The store staff will be there to make sure everything you have is right.”
Chicago Bulls owner and CEO Tom Thibodeski.
AP photo”We are trying to create a new way for fans that want to find that special something for themselves and for their families,” said Jordan Green, senior director of marketing and digital strategy at Secondhand.
The new app, which is free, allows users to search for second-source items by using keywords like “secondhand,” “second-source books,” and “second hand merchandise,” as well a list of items that can be found on-and/or off-sites.
Once they have found the item they want, they will be given a unique code that allows them to purchase it from the store or the online store.
Second-source merchandise includes a variety of items from apparel to shoes, toys and accessories, as long as the item has been used and not worn, according.
Second-source shopping is also encouraged for people that may not be able afford on-sale prices.
The company says that most items will be available for purchase online, and not on-hand.
The first-time customers will also have the option to browse the store online, which can take some time.
The SecondHand app is expected to be available in stores in June.