If there was ever a time to support local businesses, it’s right now.
Recognizing this, skate shoe brand Vans has launched its “Foot the Bill” initiative in response to COVID-19 to assist its small business partners around the world. These creative companies specialize in action, sports, art, music, and street culture – the Vans brand’s founding pillars.
Vans supported over 80 businesses globally in the initiative – including skate and specialty shops, restaurants, music venues and community-driven spaces – by offering their custom-made designs available for purchase on Vans Customs. All proceeds (minus the materials and shipping) will go directly to these local businesses.
The “Foot the Bill” program includes six Canadian stores, including businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Calgary, Montréal, and Saskatoon.
“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,” said Steve Van Doren, son of Vans’ founder and Vans’ Vice President of Events and Promotions. “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 brand’s creative space to design custom shoes, each business was given access to design and upload a pattern that represents its unique persona and choose Vans Classic Slip-On or Era as their canvas.
Fans can support each business by selecting its design for purchase, and they can continue the creativity by customizing it with other colour, print and material combinations. Vans will produce up to 500 pairs of Custom Vans per business partner, with each pair retailing at $115 CAD.
Once the shoes are sold out, they will no longer be available – so don’t sit on this one.
