A Kansas City store owner thought someone made a fraudulent order on his website. It was actually a legit purchase for Taylor Swift. | Canada News Media
Taylor Swift attends a Kansas City Chiefs game on December 10, 2023.Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Taylor Swift attended a Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday while wearing a vintage sweatshirt.
The garment came from Westside Storey, a small business in Kansas City, Missouri.
Owner Chris Harrington told Business Insider that he originally thought the order was fraudulent.
It was late October when Chris Harrington’s boutique in Kansas City, Missouri, received an online order for more than $1,200 worth of vintage clothes.
The receipt, he told Business Insider, was unusual. Curated, secondhand items are more expensive than other merchandise at his store Westside Storey, the 38-year-old business owner said, and shoppers typically buy only one or two vintage pieces at a time.
So when this mysterious online shopper requested five vintage Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirts priced over $100 each, the store’s online commerce platform Shopify sent a “medium risk” fraud alert.
“It was a larger dollar amount than we typically get, and there was a medium alert on it, so our online manager did some digging,” Harrington told BI.
After looking into the account that made the purchase, Harrington’s team felt confident that the order was “tied to Swift somehow.”
Taylor Swift attends the Kansas City Chiefs game on December 10, 2023.Jamie Squire/Getty Images
But when the “Midnights” musician attended a game on December 3 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and wore designer duds instead of vintage Chiefs gear, the Westside Storey team began to doubt that they’d see her wear the clothes.
“I was holding out hope but also giving up hope,” Harrington said.
That’s when Swift arrived at Arrowhead Stadium to watch the Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
“I started getting text messages — I had told some friends previously about the order — and they were going crazy,” Harrington recalled. “And then my girlfriend came running downstairs 30 seconds later and I was like, ‘It’s happening. She’s wearing it. This is amazing.'”
Harrington said he isn’t sure where Swift or her team heard about his business.
One possibility is tied to Chiefs star and Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce. He follows the store on Instagram, and Harrington recalls the athlete shopping at Westside Storey on at least one occasion a few years ago.
But even if Kelce had nothing to do with it, Harrington is thrilled about the experience.
“We’ve had hundreds of orders over the last 48 hours,” he told BI. “Sometimes our online store lights up after a Chiefs game when we win, but this is 100 times more than that and we lost the game. It was the Taylor effect.”
The Taylor Swift effect: Kansas City edition
Harrington’s journey with Westside Storey began more than 10 years ago. He lived next to a then-empty storefront and purchased it with a group of friends who wanted to see “what would stick.”
As the store grew, Harrington eventually bought out his partners and “leaned into the local movement,” selling artisan products made in Missouri and Kansas City-themed merchandise that appeals to tourists.
Another part of his business is secondhand clothes. Harrington said he’s always kept a few racks of vintage pieces on hand but really leaned into classic Chiefs merchandise five or six years ago.
“We were selling Chiefs sweatshirts for $20, and people weren’t really buying them,” he said. “It was pre-Patrick Mahomes and before vintage really took off to the level it’s at now.”
But as the Chiefs rose to nationwide fame, so did interest in Harrington’s vintage collection.
“Every year, it gets harder to find stock and everything becomes more expensive and sought after,” Harrington said. “But I have searches set up. I go to all the different fleas and markets that I know might have Chiefs stuff. And really, as a religion, I search for this stuff every day.”
Of course, Swift’s impact will likely make Harrington’s job harder in some ways. Now, it’s not just football fans who want vintage Chiefs gear — Swifties do, too.
But Harrington only sees that inevitability as a positive.
“I think it’s so cool that she’s leaning into it and making it more of a mainstream thing,” Harrington said of Swift shopping secondhand. “I’ve always been an advocate for vintage — not just for coolness, but for our economy and the environment — so I think she’s very thoughtful about her purchases, and I appreciate that as a vintage lover.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
