See all the photos on Flickr, click here!

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When I started working at TOMS (when the company was only about 4 weeks old), the first thing that I said to our fearless leader, Blake, was “Whole Foods is a company that we must partner with as they will not only understand what we are doing, but they will want to be a part of it as well.”

Eighteen months later, after countless hours of hard work, we launched our first exclusive collection of Eco-Friendly/Vegan shoes with Whole Foods Market. Since then, we have continued to explore the world of environmentally friendly materials, along with launching a shoe for those who practice a vegan lifestyle.

Brad sporting his favorite Cordones

In just under two years, through the Whole Foods partnership and the purchases of caring customers, we have given just over 37,240 pairs of new shoes to children in need.

It is amazing the needs that these shoes have met and continue to meet around the world. In areas of deep poverty, shoes can play a role that goes far beyond comfort, including access to education and prevention of disease (bare feet make children susceptible to a wide range of diseases and parasites). It has truly blown me away how the Whole Foods Market team members have rallied around these needs, becoming some of the most dedicated, excited and passionate advocates for the One for One mission that I have come across in my almost four years here at TOMS.

A GIVE window made out of TOMS at a Whole Foods Market location

We are honored and excited to partner with such a great company, who is not only working to help bring us better quality food for what we put IN our bodies, but also for what we put ON our bodies.

So, live fully, love others unconditionally, and if you happen to run into your neighborhood Whole Foods Market for some locally sourced tomatoes, basil or rainbow chard, make sure to stop by the Whole Body department to become part of the One for One movement.

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In order to celebrate this drive to “elevate the world”, lululemon will be hosting a TOMS Style Your Sole event this Saturday Jan 23 from 7-9PM at the lululemon store in Newmarket, ON.  Come by to custom design your own pair of TOMS or to collaborate with others to create a unique pair!

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TOMS: How did you hear about TOMS originally?

SUN DIEGO: The first time we heard about TOMS was in an industry publication. It definitely caught our eye because it explained TOMS One for One concept. We immediately thought that was something we would love to get involved with.

T: How long have you been carrying TOMS?

SD: We have been carrying TOMS now for a little over a year. We received our first shipment Christmas 2008.

T: What shoe has been your best seller?

SD: Our best selling styles have been the Classic Canvas in Black and Ash.

T: Do you get many customers who recognize the shoes?

SD: When we first received them they were a little slow but the people that knew about them were excited that we carried them. Once we did a promotion at our Fashion Valley store with artists painting the shoes for the customers, and then the commercial hit, TOMS blew up. Now both men and women are coming and asking for them on a daily basis. We never thought so many men would want them as well but now it seems like more guys are coming in for them than women.

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?

SD: Our focus is to portray the more fashionable and premium side of the Action Sports Southern California Lifestyle. We emphasize customer service as our first priority to all of our sales associates. We teach the importance of having positive attitudes in our industry that has often been stereotyped as having low service standards.

T: Why do you believe in the TOMS movement and the change they are trying to create?

SD: With the current times being what they are and so many people suffering and having a hard time, not only here but all over the world, people are more aware that they need to help others that are even in worse shape than they are…along comes TOMS with an incredible idea: for every pair that is purchased they give a pair away some where in the world where they are desperately needed…being able to help people while helping yourself and buying a great product.  Because of TOMS, there is more awareness being brought forth to all of us of the needy people in this world, which in turn will bring other people and businesses to the forefront of helping others as well.

Click here for Sun Diego retailer locations!

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TOMS: How did you hear about TOMS?
Roots & Wings: I first heard about TOMS through word of mouth in 2006. That’s when I got my first pair and I’ve been wearing them since (and have since added many more styles to my collection).

TOMS: How long have you been carrying TOMS?
Roots & Wings: Since we opened in September 2008.

TOMS: Why does your store carry TOMS?
Roots & Wings: We believe in the missions of TOMS and are thrilled to be able to help make a difference in the lives of children in need.

TOMS: What shoe has been your best seller?
Roots & Wings: Canvas TOMS are always great sellers for us and the Cordones have really taken off this Fall.

TOMS: What is your (personal) favorite TOMS style?
Roots & Wings: My red wrap boots!

TOMS: Do you get many customers who recognize the shoes?
Roots & Wings: We have tons of customers who recognize TOMS and are happy to find them here. We also have many customers who come in specifically because we carry TOMS.

TOMS: What makes your store special? Why should people come visit?
Roots & Wings: Roots & Wings is a specialty lifestyle boutique. People can find unique clothing and accessories here that allow them to express their personalities. Our environment is fun and inviting and customers can shop here for everything – from TOMS to lounge wear to formal dresses.

Roots & Wings
11046 Elm St
Omaha, NE 68144

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TOMS: How did you hear about TOMS?
SHOE BIZ: We were originally attracted to the brand solely on the basis of its humanitarian direction which was in perfect alignment with our effort to bring awareness of the difficulties orphans/youth were facing around the world.

T: How long have you been carrying TOMS?
SB: Since early 2008.

T: Why does your store carry TOMS?
SB: TOMS has enabled us to indirectly, and without any pre-condition or expectations from our customers, contribute to many children in need of clothing and financial support. TOMS has empowered us to invite many who seek to help others to find a trustworthy and legitimate source to make a purchase and directly contribute to the well-being of a child.

T: What shoe has been your best seller?
SB: The good old fashion, classic canvas slip on.

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
SB: Shoe Biz, since June of 2009, has held over four in-store charity events with the participation of local artists, musicians, and painters to bring awareness and support for the orphans in Africa. The TOMS event held on August 22 was one of the most trafficked, most productive, and well attended charity events we have had so far.

During the TOMS event on August 22, we invited 4 local artists to customize any TOMS purchased. Over 53 TOMS shoes were customized (up to 2 1/2 hour wait), sold over 93 pairs on that Saturday, while Shoe Biz gave 2 pairs of shoes for every pair of TOMS sold that day and matched dollar for dollar for any/and all shoes sold on that day. All proceeds were given to www.youthagainstpoverty.com to help orphans in Africa.

T: Tell us about the event you have coming up…
SB: It is our intention to have a similar TOMS charity event at our Noe Valley location (3810 24th Street, San Francisco) on Saturday, October 24th during Fall Harvest Day. Shoe Biz will join TOMS to give two pairs for every pair of TOMS sold, match dollar for dollar, and donate all the proceeds to www.youthagainstpoverty.com.

T: Any other comments you would like to add?
SB: Through generous contribution of TOMS, we have been able to hold charity events to show that we should come forward and assist those who suffer even more during tough economic times. For days after our August TOMS event, those who heard about our collective contribution came by to support and to purchase TOMS to help the orphanages in Africa and drop locations designated by TOMS. It is the most uplifting experience and a powerful encouragement to see how families are willing to give and to have their children participate in these occasions.

Shoe Biz – Noe Valley
3810  24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Click here for other Shoe Biz locations.

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TOMS: How did you hear about TOMS?
DOUG: From two of our employees (Nicole & Kelly) who were in high school in 2008, and now are in college.

T: How long have you been carrying TOMS?
D: Since March 2009…pre AT&T boost!

T: Why does your store carry TOMS?
D: Because our mantra at the store is, “Do good, look good, feel good….change the world!” Our family owned business has a “triple bottom line” philosophy, including people, planet, and profit. So when we discovered TOMS, it was a natural fit. We also carry Fair Trade jewelry, and other eco friendly products that enhance a sense of sustainable style.

T: What shoe has been your best seller?
D: All of them! After the AT&T commercial, every style we had sold out, and we had to catch up. It’s smart you are going into the Youth market, because lots of little ones want TOMS too! Our Cordones Launch Party was a big hit, and now that style is blazing a trail of its own. It’s cool how every generation wants a pair of TOMS Shoes – from baby, youth, teen, adult, and seniors. I have an 84 year old local entertainer named Alan King who wears a pair of the Cordones (cortazar) with no laces when he performs now!

T: What is your (personal) favorite TOMS style?
D: At home I wear pair of the Olive Classic Canvas, and at the store I wear my Cordones (cortazar) with out laces and with cuffed jeans. It’s a smart look!

T: Do you get many customers who recognize the shoes?
D: It’s amazing. Our entire window display is TOMS Shoes, with the One for One mission written on the window. When people walk by it, they stop in their tracks, and now say, “hey – I saw this guy on TV” and they go on to explain the whole concept to their friends. And that is “viral marketing” at its best.

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
D: Our shop has a certain energy (positive, abundance, gratitude) that attracts more of the same energy from nice people from all over the world who come by. We enjoy promoting “sustainable style” and eating organic food that is grown locally. Our Main Street is filled with independent Retailers, as opposed to corporate chains in mall settings. Kennett Square, PA is in a lovely tourism destination area called the Brandywine Valley. In between NYC and DC, its rolling hills and open landscapes have inspired people for hundreds of years.

T: Additional comments?
D: Yes… we wanted to express our gratitude to Blake the Chief Shoe Giver, and all of the TOMS family at the Mother Ship for creating the coolest brand in the world! We are on fire about what we have done with you, and are excited about what the future will look like together. Millions of people are already on board and the ripple effect is still growing. Every town in every country will be wearing TOMS Shoes… because giving is the new getting.

The Paper Market
103 West State Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348

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TOMS: Why does your store carry TOMS?
THE EXCHANGE: They’re such a unique shoe and we wanted to make it available to Gainesville. We also try to stock brands that are carrying business ethically, and we totally love the heart behind TOMS. And, the arpagata originates from Argentina, which is pretty awesome.

TOMS: What shoe has been your best seller?
THE EXCHANGE: Classic Ash Canvas. It goes with anything.

TOMS: What is your (personal) favorite TOMS style?
THE EXCHANGE: The Vegan Charcoal TOMS are pretty awesome. Made out of hemp, recycled bottles, and stylish? That’s a pretty sweet shoe!

TOMS: Do you get many customers who recognize the shoes?
THE EXCHANGE: Absolutely. They love the fact that we carry TOMS. Its also fun to share the mission with folks who are new to TOMS.

TOMS: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
THE EXCHANGE: We carry unique and often ethical brands like TOMS as well as great original art by local and national artists.

TOMS: Tell us about these custom TOMS!
THE EXCHANGE: I (Roberto Evans) was invited to showcase my custom TOMS in Gainesville Fashion Week. It’s a great opportunity to share the message of TOMS as well show as the custom artwork I do on the shoes.

The Exchange
815 West University Ave.
Gainesville, Florida, 32601
(352) 246-7841

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Interviewee: fashion curator Jiyoung Park, dessert artist Ohyon Paek
interviewd by DongGyu Lim

TOMS: How long have you been working with TOMS?
ATELIER & PROJECT: Since July, 2007.

T: How did you first hear about TOMS and what made you want to carry them?
A&P: Our good friends, Wonsik and Deejay, told us that they would be distributing a very cool & unique shoe called TOMS and explained the One for One concept. We thought the cultural code of ‘GIVING’ really fit our space, and started to carry them. We are very proud to say that we were the 1st retailer to carry TOMS in Korea. Ever since TOMS Shoes has been accepted by many people and grown significantly here!

T: Which pair are your favorite TOMS?
A&P: Silver Glitter and the suede TOMS.

T: Is there a particular moment with a TOMS customer that you’d like to share?
A&P: There are many couples who happen to wear the same t-shirts in Korea. We call them ‘Couple-T’s. Although you can spot many wearing same t-shirts, there aren’t many wearing the same shoes. TOMS provided a range of choices for these couples, and we meet many customers that would buy a pair for themselves and a pair for their loved ones.

T: What other brands do you carry?
A&P: We love to carry brands that have their own identity:

Sperk Mesek(Accessories) / Photo Poche(Photo Book) / Nouvelle Vague(Men’s Clothing) / Harney&Sone(Tea, Drinking), Illy(Coffee) / Atelier&Project original(Bag, Accessories) and vintage collections from our trip abroad.

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
A&P: Atelier and Project consists of three different spaces for three different artists – Art Director Jieun Kim, fashion curator Jiyoung Park and dessert artist Ohyon Paek – and also is an open studio for other artists. Atelier and Project is also a cafe where you can spend your time enjoying nice dessert with coffee or tea.   Our carefully selected brands in our space are a reflection of our trips abroad.  We carefully mix a unique blend of goods in our space while not detracting from our unique identity.

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T: How did you first hear of TOMS and what made you want to carry them?
SFM: Mr. Tae-Min Han, the designer and owner of the store, met Wonsik and Deejay (TOMS reps) one night at a dinner party hosted by neighbors. He saw them wearing TOMS and was soon attracted by the design and reasonable pricing. And, above all, the authentic identity of TOMS. Since then, we started to carry TOMS… from the 2007 fall collection!

T: What is your favorite pair of TOMS?
SFM: Classic Canvas TOMS, definitely.

T: Is there a significant moment with a TOMS customer you would like to share?
SFM: There was a real passionate customer who was so eager to participate in a Shoe Drop. Not sure if he ever made it to Argentina, but he was so passionate about the cause!

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
SFM: San Francisco Market was opened in two different locations – Florence and Seoul- by Italian and Korean designers who were friends. They named the stores after city of San Francisco, because it is known to be the origin of casual wear and jeans. Likewise, San Francisco Market carries the brands that inherit originality and we also produce original labels. We are proud to say that San Francisco Market is one of few stores in Korea that devotes pure passion to originality. So, if you are someone looking for originality in Korea, you are always welcomed.  Our store carries Engineered Garments, Harversack, Roda, Alfred Sargent, Trickers, and other original brands.

T: Is there any other brands/products that will go along with TOMS in your store?
SFM: Every item in San Francisco Market is a perfect match with TOMS!

T: What inspires you most about the TOMS One for One movement?
SFM: Humanity based on cultural code.

San Francisco Market
646-23 Sinsa-Dong Gangnam-Gu
Seoul, South Korea
(02) 542-3156

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