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?
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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TOMS: How long have you been carrying TOMS?
THALIA: Since August 2007!

TOMS: What types of events have you done with TOMS and how has it helped your business?
THALIA: We’ve had some really successful events in the past with TOMS, that included art shows, custom shoes painting, and live music with bands like The Japanese Motors and local favorites The Growlers. Our most recent event was especially unique, called Vintage, where we showed super rare, 16mm footage of Laguna Beach lifestyle and surfing from the 1960’s, had live music by The Pawnshop Kings, a sidewalk BBQ for free, and local artists painting on TOMS. We nearly sold through all of our stock in TOMS and had locals and tourists alike coming through until 10pm.

TOMS: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
THALIA: We are proud to show people a different side of the surf industry. A side more dedicated to the arts and not senseless graphics and logos. We support small, independent brands from all over the world, Japan to Australia to the UK. We carry unique, handmade clothes from local and independent makers, an eclectic mix of music in CD’s and vinyl, and art books by those who inspire our shop. When you walk into our store there’s always something new to check out- or old, as you’ll notice our rad collection of vintage surfboards and skateboards from all eras.

TOMS: If you could name your favorite pair of TOMS what would it be and why?
THALIA: The Cordones! Even though they’re not even out yet, and we haven’t worn them, they have got to be the coolest, most unique shoe to come out in a long time! We can’t wait to get those bad boys in.

TOMS: Why are you passionate about what you do and why are you driven towards bringing positive change to the world?
THALIA: Encouraging those around us to pursue their creative dreams is something we really push here at Thalia Surf. It is no coincidence that we are located in the small art colony of Laguna Beach. Surfing is our passion and if we are able to leave our small thumbprint on such a large, corporate industry, then we’ve done our job. And now being able to work with TOMS, we’ve hopefully been able to help more than just surfers but kids in need, too.

TOMS: Anything else you’d like us to include?
THALIA: Come on down to the shop in Laguna Beach, Ca. or check out what we’re up to on our online store. Shop local!

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TOMS: How did you first hear of TOMS and what motivated you want to carry them?
SALLY JONES: I first came across TOMS at Selfridges in London. At first I fell for the really cool design – it was unlike any kind of shoe I had ever seen before – so cool and really comfortable. Then the sales attendant came over and explained the concept behind One for One. Wow – this was just too good to be true, the involvement of charity where a child in need was given a pair of shoes in combination with the really cool design of the shoes just blew my mind. I knew then that this was a brand that I really wanted to sell in my store.

T: What do you love most about having TOMS in your store?
SJ: To hear, see and feel the reactions of customers as I tell them the story behind TOMS. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and gives me goosebumps.

T: Which is your best selling pair of TOMS?
SJ: All styles with patterns, our customers go crazy over them. We even had a girl come in and by one pair in every single pattern and colour that we had.

T: What is your favorite pair of TOMS?
SJ: I really love my red classics.

T: What has been your most memorable moment  when sharing the story of TOMS with a customer?
SJ: That must be when 2 couples and a single guy came in to the store. The single guy was wearing a pair, and one of the girls had bought a pair earlier that week. Whilst the girls were looking at the shoes, I asked their boyfriends why they werent wearing TOMS –
-  “You don’t carry mens shoes do you?”
-  “No,  but the store next door does.”
So, off they went, and came back 5 minutes later wearing a pair each, the two girls ended up buying a pair each, which they wore out of the store. So 5 people walked out of the store each wearing TOMS!

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
SJ: Sally Jones carrys an eclectic mix of international brands. Customers will find everything from wellknown fashionbrands to edgy smaller labels only found at Sally Jones in Gothenburg. Sally Jones is simply a One stop shop.

T: Anything you would like to say to all the TOMS supporters of the world?
SJ: Please keep up the good work, lets all make an effort to put shoes on the feet of children in need.

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TOMS: How did you hear about TOMS?
THE PUBLIC: TOMS actually contacted us!

T: How long have you been carrying TOMS?
P: Since March of 2007.

T: Why does your store carry TOMS?
P: It is a great shoe with a great story, the cause is an awesome added bonus.

T: What shoe has been your best seller?
P: It is hard to say… we sell them all really well!

T: What is your (personal) favorite TOMS style?
P: Brown Burlap. So much texture and I wear a lot of earth tones.

T: Do you get many customers who recognize the shoes?
P: 90% of the time, TOMS are the first shoe picked up [out of other shoes in the store]. I am sure that recognition has something to do with that.

T: What makes your store special, why should people come visit?
P: The idea of The Public is more then just a shoe store but a community based store with a different shopping experience, local to the core!

T: Tell us about the event you have coming up…
P: This Saturday, July 11 from 4:00 PM to dusk, we have 20 amazing artists coming out to Pioneers Park for a huge Summer Style Your Sole event. Bring a blanket and some food to share. Come by the store before Saturday if you’re interested in participating. More info on the Facebook invite.

The Public
1033 O street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 742-4000

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There are plenty of TOMS events to fill your upcoming summer days- become a fan of the TOMS Facebook page, as we will be posting more info on each of these events as the dates get closer!

July 2nd    WIIFY Unique & Casual, Flower Mound, TX
July 4th   TOMS Pop Up Store: Hamptons, NY
July 11th    The Public, LIncoln, NE (15+ artists customizing TOMS!!)
July 11th    Sample Sale: TOMS HQ, Santa Monica, CA
July 18th    Active Event: GIVE—Irvine Spectrum, Orange County, CA
July 24th    Flying Point: Art & Sole— Hamptons, NY
July 24th    Teesie’s Attic, Arlington, TX
July 25th    Pacific Wave:  Santa Cruz, CA
July 26th    Whole Earth Provisions & Zulu Creative Birthday SYS, Houston, TX
Aug 1st    Crazy Mary’s:  Sacramento, CA

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