TOMS

Everything started in 2006 when Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS, saw poor children in a village in Argentina, who did not have normal shoes to protect their feet. As he was willing to help poor children, he created TOMS shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes for a child in need. They called it “One for One”.

In 2013, TOMS managed to produce one-third of its shoes in the regions where it gives them. . TOMS shoes are made of sustainable and vegan materials, that include natural hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester, sisal, rubber, and canvas. Toms became a huge hit with the eco-fashion crowd. Then as the company started reaching its success in 2011, the One for One model was expanded with TOMS Eyewear, whose concept is responsible for giving away a pair of glasses to someone in need within each purchase or eyewear. TOMS Eyewear launched in 2011 and has helped restore sight to over 400,000 people. The initiative provides prescription glasses, medical treatment and even a sight-saving surgery with each purchase of eyewear. It is stated that in the TOMS Supplier Code of Conduct workers should be paid wages that meet or exceed the mandated minimum standards. In May 2016, The Business of Fashion reported that 40% of TOMS shoes that are given away were made in the country in which they are distributed.

TOMS also has its roasting coffee products, which launched in 2014, and has helped provide over 335,000 weeks of safe water in 7 countries. With every purchase of TOMS Roasting Co. Coffee, the brand works with its partners to provide 140 liters of safe water for one person. In 2015, TOMS Bag Collection launched in 4 countries with 3 Giving Partners to help address the need for advancements in maternal health.

Purchases of TOMS Bags help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that help a woman safely deliver her baby. With every bag purchased, TOMS states that it will help provide a safe birth for a mother and baby. Since 2015, TOMS Bag Collections has supported safe birth services for over 25,000 mothers. Last but not least, TOMS provides benefits to its U.S. employees including medical, vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance and AD&D, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, and paid family leave.

TOMS store locations:

Ann Tuil

22 Avenue Victor Hugo

75016 Paris

Jules Style

83 Rue du Faubourg du Temple

75010 Paris

Boutou

20 Rue Milton

75009 Paris

Galeries Lafayette Homme

Boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris

—Milana Alexeyeva

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