My aunts up in Georgia have been wearing these things for years to farm in, except I think they pay $5 for them at the dollar general. I think the giving them away thing is really nice but these people need more than just shoes and glasses and while Toms say they have partners to provide other services, who is to say that they are as committed to giving as Toms? There are numerous groups that already do shoe donations. What I think would be better is something like Oliberte does, where they try to improve the community with fair waged jobs, partnerships and quality of life, not just donations. That, and some of the Oliberte shoes and bags are sharp as hell.
The sunglasses they sell do a little more than just give people glasses. It actually covers basic eye care. I wouldn't say that the trend is dying either. They are now showing up in the department stores here in Korea and are a pretty hot item right now
I agree justinthered. In fact, the whole point of this post is to acknowledge that a big chunk of Jax is embracing the trend. Adam W, if you think they are on their way out are you insinuating that Jacksonville doesn't pick up trends until they are no longer "fashion-forward"? And exactly what other trends have you seen that have died once they've started selling at Urban? Because we get compliments on a near daily basis from consumers who are excited to be able to find something at the store that they can't yet find anywhere else.
And as far as the remarks about the owner of the company allegedly having controversial beliefs, I am sure once one researches who is at the top of every single franchise they frequent, they will probably find something worth disagreeing upon with them. Also, the comment that Urban Outfitters marks up items which is offensive, the company has its own right and disclosure to do so, as does every retail store. It is also one's right to decide whether they would like to find out if there is a lower price somewhere else or if they would like to purchase the item at Urban. However, I doubt the company would be able to mark up prices if most consumers felt it was too "offensive" to buy them.
Giving shoes as a donation is very helpful to people in need. It means much more than having a cool pair of kicks to these children. A donated pair of TOMS can help protect against diseases in developing countries from soil-transmitted diseases, prevent against cuts and sores that could easily get way more infected with constant exposure to the bare ground, AND they can help send a child to school, because in some of these countries where pairs are donated, a child needs a uniform that requires shoes to be able to attend. How can anyone argue against that?
The very criticisms about TOMS themselves reveal a problem with society today. Instead of being satisfied with something that is good, it is criticized and ridiculed for what could be done better. Until someone ridiculing the project actually does something that attempts to empower a social mission, I can't help but regard the negative feedback as insensitive and unnecessary.
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