TOMS explosion in Jacksonville

[copperfiend]

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.

[Adam W]

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.

[MelMel]

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.

[Adam W]

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.

[Nightman_Cometh]

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?

[justinthered]

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

[MelMel]

Very true justinthered.

This is slightly off topic, but I'm really fond of that "It's Always Sunny" reference, nightman_cometh.

[officerk]

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...

[gjosephunf]

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.