Vans Supports Local Skate Shops with Its New "Foot The Bill" Initiative
As well as other small business partners including restaurants, music venues and community-driven spaces.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted small businesses around the world. In an effort to assist those affected by the crisis, Vans has announced that it will be supporting 80 of its small business partners through its “Foot The Bill” initiative. Steve Van Doren, son of Vans’ founder and Vans’ Vice President of Events and Promotions, said in a press release:
“My father Paul Van Doren always said that we were a people company that made shoes. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the people that provide spaces for communities around the world to be creative and come together. We were once a small business and wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of these partners. We hope to rally together with our consumers to lend a helping hand to those that are in need.”
Utilizing the Vans Customs platform, the 80 businesses – which include skate and specialty shops, restaurants, music venues and community-driven spaces – have been given the chance to design their own pattern that represents their company. Available in the Classic Slip-On or Era silhouette, fans can show their support by selecting the artwork of their choice and continue by customizing it with other colors, print and material combinations. Only 500 pairs have been allocated to each partner and the net proceeds from the sale will go directly to that small business to provide some relief during this challenging time.
The “Foot The Bill” customization programme has already launched in the U.S. featuring more than 30 skate shops and restaurants, along with new additions from around the world being added daily. The program will expand over the next month and will be available online in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, the Netherlands and the UK.
For those interested in contributing to the cause, head on over to Vans’ website for more details. In related news, the label has dropped the Old Skool in three milk tea-inspired colorways.
