MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After $50,000 worth of shoes and clothes were stolen this week from the City Gear sports and apparel store in South Memphis, ABC24 has discovered that their stores in Memphis have been hit multiple times, much more than the three times in recent weeks.
According to Memphis Police, City Gear stores in Memphis were hit in 16 separate burglaries, 42 thefts, and one robbery in 2023.
Police are still looking for the men connected with Monday's theft, including one caught on our cameras.
Now, in an exclusive interview with ABC24, City Gear's owner, Robby Bullington, said the company will not abandon Memphis, but are asking for help.
“We saw a significant uptick in the Memphis area this year as of late," Bullington said. "I think we’re in day nine of November and we’ve had six incidents in our Memphis area stores."
Hibbett City Gear said they’re bulking up security but is demanding more intervention from Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
“As seen in the past couple of weeks we’re looking for help and solutions from our local leaders in law enforcement as to what we can do and what they can do to support us," Bullington said.
Earlier this year, Mulroy announced a retail theft task force which led to 23 arrests and 15 indictments in June. ABC24 reached out Thursday to get an update on the impact this unit has had since, but we haven't gotten a response yet.
Despite the constant theft, the clothing chain said the brand birthed right here in the Bluff City is committed to staying.
“We’re resilient," Bullington said. "We’re committed to Memphis; our roots are in Memphis.”