Toms

Overview

TOMS is a for-profit company that designs and markets footwear, eyewear, apparel, coffee, and handbags, known for its 'One for One' model where each product sold funds donations to those in need.¹² Based in Los Angeles, it operates in apparel and fashion, with over 500 global retail locations and a focus on social initiatives like shoe donations, vision care, and clean water projects impacting over 105 million lives.² The brand expanded from shoes to multiple categories while emphasizing corporate social responsibility and word-of-mouth sales.¹

History

TOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie in Venice Beach, California, inspired by his trip to Argentina where he saw children without shoes, leading to the 'Shoes for Tomorrow Project' and initial production of alpargata-style shoes by Argentine manufacturers.¹³ Sales began in May 2006, with 10,000 pairs sold in the first year and the first 10,000 donations distributed in October 2006; by 2011, it launched eyewear and reached over 500 global retailers.¹ In December 2019, the company was taken over by creditors Jefferies Financial Group, Nexus Capital Management, and Brookfield Asset Management, ending Mycoskie's ownership.¹

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are outsourced to manufacturers, initially Argentine shoe producers for the first 250 pairs and later expanded globally.¹ The company focuses on responsible manufacturing practices as part of its social responsibility commitments.²

Notable Products

• Classic Canvas Alpargata - Signature slip-on sneaker that launched the one-for-one model
• Eyewear Collection - Glasses line funding sight restorations in developing countries
• Italian Rope-Sole Boat Shoe - Leather boat shoe expanding from core canvas style

Reputation

TOMS is recognized by enthusiasts for pioneering social entrepreneurship through its one-for-one model and has been cited as an example by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative.¹ Professionals note its expansion into multiple categories and impact on over 105 million lives via donations and grants exceeding $200 million.²³ Criticisms include questions on the long-term efficacy of shoe donations, leading to model adjustments toward grants and local production.¹