PopShop: LeBron James and Louboutin Barbie

By Karen Bard
March 12, 2010

Our expert checks out eBay stats on major pop culture moments this week, including Lebron James's request for a new number, The Hurt Locker's post-Oscar high and the just-released Christian Louboutin Barbie.

Lebron James's New Digits

Lebron James (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

This is a major story to watch—basketball superstar LeBron James has filed with the NBA to change his uniform number to #6 from #23, Michael Jordan's number and one James believes should be retired across the league. If the league accepts this request, the switch, which would likely take place at the beginning of next season, would create a major sports shopping moment on eBay as fans scoop up memorabilia with the old digits. LeBron James is a legend in the making and it remains to be seen as to which team he will pledge allegiance to moving forward. One thing that we do know is that there will always be James’ “vintage Cleveland” gear available on eBay.

The eBay Stats: There are currently over 5,500 items available on eBay with the listing term "LeBron James." From March 2, when James announced the number switch request, to March 8, there were 4.904 items listed with the term and $131,989 in sales. In the seven-day period before that, listings (4,544) and sales ($121,684) were only slightly lower. Look for numbers to skyrocket if the switch comes through.

On Our Shopping List: What we’re shopping for: An Autographed LeBron #23 Jersey and this one-of-a kind King James Bike.

The Hurt Locker High

The Hurt Locker screenwriter Mark Boal, director Kathryn Bigelow and producer Greg Shapiro (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

The film industry’s dark horse won in a photo finish at the Oscars on Sunday night. The Hurt Locker took home 2 major awards, Best Director and Best Picture. Director Kathryn Bigelow, the first femal ever to take home the Best Director prize, was shocked and amazed at the victory but did not grandstand for a moment (unlike her ex-husband, Avatar's Jim Cameron, did when he swept the awards for Titanic) . Luckily, audiences can take in the flick right now since it has already been released on DVD.

The eBay Stats: In the 35 day period since the Oscar nominations were announced on Febuary 2, there have been 1,113 items listed with the term "Hurt Locker" and $26,207 in sales. That's a 35 percent increase in listings and 42 percent increase in sales from the prior 35-day period.

On Our Shopping List: A Hurt Locker DVD, so we can finally see what the fuss is all about.

Christian Louboutin Barbie

New Christian Louboutin Dolly Forever Barbie (buy it now price, $145)

Barbie sure keeps busy! As we've previously reported, to commemorate the launch of a new Barbie Basics line, Council of Fashion Designers of America corralled twelve of fashion’s biggest stars to style one-of-a-kind Barbie Basics figurines to auction off on eBay this past January. And yesterday, the New York Times revealed that Mattel plans to bring out versions of Barbie and Ken modeled after four characters from the popular TV show Mad Men. Also of note: famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin and Mattel just released a limited edition Barbie that is flying off of the shelves. The “Dolly Forever” figure is a candy-colored pink confection with the chicest boots in town. She comes complete with a khaki shirtdress (she’s so in style for spring) paired with hot pink, thigh high, “Forever Tina” fringe boots. Also included in this collector’s edition are four other pairs of Louboutins, complete with red soles and their own teeny, tiny shoe boxes. While there are still “Dolly Forever” figures available on eBay, the marketplace also has Louboutin’s first collaboration with Mattel for sale too (Cat Burglar Barbie).

The eBay Stats: Listings for "Louboutin Barbie" in the Dolls & Bears category are averaging around $140. We found Dolly Forever for sale right around that price, which is considerably less than the $200+ price we're seeing at retail. Scoop yours up now.

On Our Shopping List: These Barbie Pink Louboutin Mary Janes (we want to stay in style alongside our sassy doll friend) and this Gorgeous Parisian Barbie Calendar that Christian Louboutin contributed to.

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