Vans "Foot the Bill" Customization Program Returns to Support Small Business Partners

Rhea-AI Summary

Vans has reintroduced its "Foot the Bill" program to support independent small businesses amid the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Through this initiative, custom footwear and apparel featuring unique artwork from participating partners will be available for online purchase. Proceeds from sales will help these businesses navigate economic challenges. Last year, the program sold nearly 21,000 pairs and raised over $4 million. Vans plans to partner primarily with Black-owned businesses in February, highlighting their contributions to local communities.

Positive

• Reintroduction of the "Foot the Bill" program to support small businesses affected by COVID-19.
• Last year's program raised over $4 million for participants and sold nearly 21,000 pairs of footwear.
• Commitment to partnering with Black-owned businesses in February, enhancing community support.

Negative

• None.

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vans is excited to announce the return of its "Foot the Bill" program to help support small business partners throughout the country. Vans will be teaming up with independent shops and community driven spaces to create custom footwear and apparel that will be available for purchase online at vans.com/footthebill. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a devastating toll on small businesses, the net proceeds from the "Foot the Bill" merchandise will be going directly to each of the partners involved to help them navigate these difficult times.

Each participating partner's "Foot the Bill" footwear and apparel will feature unique artwork that best represents its business. Through the Vans Customs website, customers will be able to support a business by selecting its unique design to create a custom pair of Vans. Participating partners will choose one Vans Classics shoe silhouette and it will serve as a canvas for the artist of their choice. Customers will then have the ability to use the Vans Customs tools to select color, print, and the material combinations to design a truly custom pair of Vans. 

To kickoff this year's "Foot the Bill" program Vans is proud to be partnering with small businesses and venues, Guerrilla Tacos (Los Angeles, CA), Smartbar (Chicago, IL), The Parks Finest (Los Angeles, CA), Red River Cultural District (Austin, TX), and Black Cat (Washington D.C.). For each of these businesses the funds raised by "Foot the Bill" will be beneficial for ensuring that their employees and establishments can continue contributing their services to their respective communities. The widespread affects of the COVID-19 pandemic have presented these businesses with an unprecedented amount of obstacles and stress as they have been tasked with adapting to state mandated closures of non-essential businesses and new guidelines for restaurant operations. Each of the "Foot the Bill" partners is a vital part of the community in which they reside, and Vans is committed to helping these independent businesses weather the challenges ahead.

"Last year's "Foot the Bill" program sold 20,962 pairs of Vans globally and raised over $4 million for the participating partners," said Carly Gomez, VP Marketing of Vans the Americas. "This unique opportunity to offer support to our extended Vans Family is the least that we can do to show our appreciation and thank them during hard times."  

Vans will continue expanding the support of the program by adding two to three small businesses to the list of "Foot the Bill" partners each week. Vans will produce up to 1000 pairs of custom Vans and 250 t-shirts per business partner and once they're sold out, that design will no longer be available for purchase. In conjunction with Black History Month all of the partners in the month of February will be Black-owned businesses. Also, Vans will be highlighting three Black-owned businesses each week in order to direct consumers to Black-owned businesses throughout the United States. Through efforts like "Foot the Bill" Vans is committed to championing inclusivity by supporting small businesses that are owned and operated by diverse communities.  

Download all Vans "Foot the Bill" social assets: https://we.tl/t-Hqs3578csV

To learn more about Vans' "Foot the Bill" program and to see the participating partners, head to vans.com/footthebill. 

About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in 97 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans® has over 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture, and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Checkerboard Day, Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.

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SOURCE Vans

FAQ

What is Vans' "Foot the Bill" program?

The "Foot the Bill" program by Vans supports small businesses by creating custom footwear and apparel, with net proceeds directed to these businesses.

How much money did Vans raise through the "Foot the Bill" program last year?

Last year, the program raised over $4 million and sold nearly 21,000 pairs of Vans.

Which businesses are involved in Vans' "Foot the Bill" program for 2021?

The program features businesses such as Guerrilla Tacos, Smartbar, The Parks Finest, and others, primarily focusing on Black-owned businesses in February.

How can I purchase items from the "Foot the Bill" program?

Items can be purchased online at the Vans website, specifically at vans.com/footthebill.

What type of products are offered in the "Foot the Bill" program?

The program offers custom-designed Vans footwear and apparel, featuring unique artwork from the participating small business partners.