Helicopter Dropped Quickly in Kobe Bryant Crash, Official Says

Nike gear tied to Bryant is in high demand online.

Fans looking to purchase Kobe Bryant merchandise might be out of luck.

A search for Bryant products on Nike’s website on Tuesday turned up only a yellow-and-purple Nike gift card, bearing the Los Angeles Lakers logo.

Some news outlets reported that Nike had pulled all Bryant gear off the site in the wake of his death on Sunday, but a Nike spokesman denied that, saying on Tuesday that the products had simply all sold out. Nike would not say whether the sold-out products would be restocked, or what would happen to planned releases of apparel tied to the star.

Other companies are also grappling with how to memorialize the N.B.A. star.

Marketing was a major part of Bryant’s identity.

He endorsed, invested in and influenced numerous consumer brands, including McDonald’s, Nike and Sprite. He started a multimedia studio and sat in on marketing classes.

Now, Bryant’s death has the corporate community struggling to memorialize him without appearing to profit off a tragedy.

Companies are trying to balance the pressure to react quickly to hot topics while avoiding the missteps that followed the deaths of celebrities like David Bowie and Prince. Some brands, like Adidas, have opted for solemn tributes paired with black-and-white photos. Others, like Google, Planters and Olay, are postponing promotional Super Bowl campaigns.

Several companies that decided to post about Bryant, including insurance providers and a blockchain business, have been accused by consumers of opportunism.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/28/sports/basketball/kobe-bryant-death.html?emc=rss&partner=rss