Today I counted 4 students in my class wearing TOMS shoes. Yesterday, while at the beaches, I saw a handful of all kinds of people sporting them. The number of TOMS I ring up on a typical day at work easily outweighs any other item in the store. In fact, they are the top-selling item in the entire Urban Outfitters company (where I work).
So why are people of all ages and parts of Jacksonville all of a sudden wearing these shoes?
(http://kylefitzgibbons.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/toms-shoes.jpg?w=600)
Perhaps because they are much more than a fashion statement. Every time a person buys a pair, another pair is donated to a child in need. The shoes were founded in 2006 and have since sold 1 million pairs. That means 1 million pairs of shoes have also been donated to children in need. That means this company has found a greatly effective way to give back to the world.
(http://beautydelux.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toms-shoes-spring-summer-2010-2.jpg)
Though these shoes have such a great success rate, they are also difficult to come by in stores other than TOMS.com. But now, dozens of types are sold at the Urban Outfitters at the town center, which is the only other Urban Outfitters in Florida that sells them.
(http://sassyhongkong.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/toms-shoes.jpg)
I can't count how many people come up to me delighted that we have TOMS in our store.
"We've tried to find them EVERYWHERE," they often exclaim.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pK0NF_qpSNc/S75EuExBbUI/AAAAAAAABDI/FLIPb5oK4QI/s200/101909_Argentina-lots-of-shoes_500.jpg)
We sell men and women TOMS, but children shoes are available on the TOMS website. Whether at Urban Outfitters, or on TOMS.com, the shoes come in a variety suitable for everyone. Some are vegan, some are wedges or boots, and some are even designed exclusively for weddings. Either way, the positive fashion statement has an endless appeal.
(http://s24.shefinds.com/bf/files/2011/03/TOMS-wedding-shoes.jpg)
I'm thrilled to see such a positive trend expanding through Jacksonville, and I hope it only continues. Next time you're out shoe shopping at the town center, consider picking up a pair if you haven't already, because purchasing these shoes are better than any buy-one get-one-free deal you can get anywhere -- with TOMS, you are buying and giving one, and that's priceless.
(http://changemakernetwork.edublogs.org/files/2011/06/TOMS-zv832i.jpg)
For more information about the shoes, visit: http://www.toms.com/
Know another place in Jacksonville that sells TOMS? Have a favorite style? Or a pair of your own? Share it here!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b1/Toms_logo.jpg)
Quote from: finehoe on June 28, 2012, 04:46:07 PM
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b1/Toms_logo.jpg)
They're hideous. And over, or a about a month or two away from being sold in Target.
Quote from: MelMel on June 28, 2012, 04:04:24 PM
Next time you're out shoe shopping at the town center, consider picking up a pair if you haven't already, because purchasing these shoes are better than any buy-one get-one-free deal you can get anywhere -- with TOMS, you are buying and giving one, and that's priceless.
+1 Love it
Last time I was in the Jax, the only place you could get them was at the whole foods in Mandarin. Good to hear that they're easier to get now! they're super comfy
Thanks simms3.
On the contrary Adam W, I don't think they are hideous. Though some may think certain designs are more favorable than others, (I myself am not sure if I would like to wear TOMS for my wedding) they really are understated enough to wear almost anywhere, and are timeless, good quality and age appropriate for everyone. I would love to see them sell at Target, it's a fashion statement that should not be kept under wraps because the more mainstream they become, the more they will benefit those who need it.
You're kidding yourself if you think they are so popular for anything other than a fashion statement. Sure some people buy them for the cause, but it seems like most buy them because they are available in cool hipster colors like sparkles.
The biggest appeal is that it doesn't matter if the person is buying them for the cause or because they wish to be cool wearing "hipster colors like sparkles," but that either way the other pair gets to someone who needs them.
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.
I think it is neat that the company does this... though.. I won't be rushing out to buy them.. I LOVE Shoes... but at the prices these shoes are, the styles arent all that fabulous and just don't scream value for my money. It appears that you are paying for 2 pairs of shoes in order for them to be able to GIVE a pair away. THOUGH that is my option as a consumer... for those consumers that opt to get their warm and fuzzies from buying these shoes - more power to them... I keep my warm and fuzzies closer to home usually anyway.. NOW! If these shoe sales went in some way to Florida flood victim relief.. That would get my attention a bit more... But, that is where my heart lies right now...
They're basically this year's (or last year's) Crocs.
They were hip for awhile, but now they've infiltrated the mass market. Other than thinking that they are hideous, that's not a bad thing. It's just that they're no longer fashion-forward. When a trend makes its way to Urban Outfitters, it's basically over.
Quote from: thekillingwax on June 28, 2012, 11:25:26 PM
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
Please note, if your supporting Urban Outfitters you are supporting an anti-gay, pro lifer.
http://sempe.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/hey-the-guy-who-owns-urban-outfitters-is-pro-life/
*you're
Quote from: TPC on June 29, 2012, 08:06:59 AM
Please note, if your supporting Urban Outfitters you are supporting an anti-gay, pro lifer.
http://sempe.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/hey-the-guy-who-owns-urban-outfitters-is-pro-life/
Too true. They also are anti-voting and have actively worked to stop young people from voting by selling a "voting is for old people" t-shirt:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485150/urban-outfitters-peddles-political-irony.jhtml (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1485150/urban-outfitters-peddles-political-irony.jhtml)
And you don't want to forget the racist t-shirts:
http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/181876/yet-another-racist-urban-outfitters-shirt/ (http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/181876/yet-another-racist-urban-outfitters-shirt/)
Perhaps most offensive of all is the way they mark up some items and charged way higher than RRP (like the Fujifilm Instax cameras which can be bought at Ritz Camera for half the price).
Quote from: Adam W on June 29, 2012, 04:16:34 AM
They're basically this year's (or last year's) Crocs.
They were hip for awhile, but now they've infiltrated the mass market. Other than thinking that they are hideous, that's not a bad thing. It's just that they're no longer fashion-forward. When a trend makes its way to Urban Outfitters, it's basically over.
I don't think Crocs were ever "hip". Popular, yes. Hip? Hardly.
Quote from: copperfiend on June 29, 2012, 09:57:38 AM
Quote from: Adam W on June 29, 2012, 04:16:34 AM
They're basically this year's (or last year's) Crocs.
They were hip for awhile, but now they've infiltrated the mass market. Other than thinking that they are hideous, that's not a bad thing. It's just that they're no longer fashion-forward. When a trend makes its way to Urban Outfitters, it's basically over.
I don't think Crocs were ever "hip". Popular, yes. Hip? Hardly.
In the early 2000s they were kinda hip or whatever. Maybe 'faddish' is a more accurate description. That was before they exploded and everyone had them. I had a lot of friends who worked in restaurants and would wear them.
But they aren't has hip as TOMS shoes. Crocs are ugly, sure. But I could never bear espadrilles - I hated them in the 80s and they are a fashion trend I wish would've missed out on being dug up and reanimated as part of the wholesale plundering of 80s culture.
Quote from: justinthered on June 29, 2012, 06:54:38 AM
Quote from: thekillingwax on June 28, 2012, 11:25:26 PM
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.
Quote
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.
I have no problems with TOMS, aside from the way they look, which isn't to my taste.
To answer your question about trends - in this instance, I have friends in Jax who were all about TOMS a couple years back. So it's probably not so much an issue of when Jax embraces trends so much as the article being a year or two too late. TOMS were on the cutting edge or whatever quite some time ago. An article written then might've gotten in closer to the ground floor on the trend. Now the trend has reached critical mass and has moved on to places like Urban Outfitters. Urban Outfitters is a mall store. It's basically Hot Topic for a slightly different demographic.
And there's nothing wrong with Joe six pack buying TOMS shoes (or any other hipster accoutrement). Hell, I remember when Von Dutch apparel was edgy or whatever. And it eventually ended up in Target.
I like Toms, I wear them and have owner 3 or 4 pairs. My only complaint is that they give shoes and eyeglasses to kids overseas, why not first start with people in your own country?
The need for shoes isn't really quite as dire in the US as it is in other places:
"Mycoskie states that his motivation is a disease called podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease. Also known as "Mossy Foot", podoconiosis is a form of elephantiasis that affects the lymphatic system of the lower legs. It is a soil-transmitted disease caused by walking in silica-rich soil. This causes one's feet to swell along with many other health implications. Shoes are the most basic solution to many of these health risks. "
And the glasses aren't really for glasses as much as they are for things like cataract surgery and sometimes just basic medical care
Very true justinthered.
This is slightly off topic, but I'm really fond of that "It's Always Sunny" reference, nightman_cometh.
I think it is very nifty that TOMS does what they do... but I stand by my statement that they seem to be overpriced and charge at least 2x what they are worth so that they can give away the 2nd pair of shoes.. however that is just a reason for ME not to buy them... not a reason for someone else not to if they find this to be a good value or charity or whatever.. that is totally the option of the consumer...
I absolutely love Toms shoes, I've been wearing Toms for over 3 1/2 years. The very first pair I purchased was at Nordstroms and I will never forget how comfortable when I first started wearing them. However, I have noticed the quality to have diminished since Toms is more "mainstream" now. I definitely agree about it being a trend and it is dyeing rather quickly. Can't go wrong with canvas sneakers or flip-flops, or the "current" trend woven sandals haha.