Vans Opens Public Nominations for "Foot the Bill" Program to Support Additional Small Businesses

Rhea-AI Summary

Vans has launched public nominations for its "Foot the Bill" program aimed at financially supporting small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 2021, the program has already aided 27 businesses. Each week, up to six businesses will be showcased on the program's site, allowing consumers to learn about them and buy custom-designed Vans. Proceeds will go directly to participating partners to help them through ongoing challenges. This initiative also highlights women-owned businesses in March.

Positive

• Supported 27 small businesses since early 2021.
• Direct financial support from merchandise sales to participating partners.
• Weekly addition of businesses to the program, increasing visibility and support.

Negative

• The program addresses ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating prolonged impacts on small businesses.

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vans opens public nominating for "Foot the Bill" providing financial support to local and community-driven small businesses across the country. Since the beginning of 2021 Vans "Foot the Bill" program has supported 27 small businesses dealing with the ongoing devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a small business owner in need of help due to the impacts of COVID, you can submit your application at: vans.com/footthebill.

Every week, up to six businesses and venues will be added to the "Foot the Bill" website where consumers can learn more about each business' story, how they will be utilizing the funds that they receive, and the inspiration behind the design that they have selected for their footwear and apparel. In honor of International Women's Month, Vans is highlighting women-owned businesses and venues throughout March, including Sweat Records, Portland Flea, Grit N' Glory, Evolve Boutique, Milk + T, HauteButch, and Grog Shop.

Create & Cultivate, who nominated Sweat Records, Portland Flea and Grit N' Glory emphasized, "Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and the heart of our communities, and supporting women-owned small businesses - as a woman-owned small business ourselves - is at the core of what Create & Cultivate stands for," Create & Cultivate founder + CEO, Jaclyn Johnson.

"Foot The Bill" partners collaborate to create unique footwear and apparel that features original artwork that best represents their business' identity. Customers are able to support a business online by selecting their unique design through the Vans Customs program. The assortment of Vans Customs tools allows customers to choose from an array of options when designing their custom pair of Vans that gives back to participating partners.

While the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to have a disproportionate impact on small businesses, net proceeds from the "Foot The Bill" merchandise will be going directly to each of the participating partners to ensure that their businesses can make it through the challenges that they are currently faced with. Vans will be producing up to 1000 pairs of custom Vans and 250 t-shirts per participating partner and once they are sold out, that design will no longer be available for purchase.

To learn more about Vans' "Foot the Bill" program, to nominate your favorite small business 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 the purpose of Vans' 'Foot the Bill' program?

The 'Foot the Bill' program by Vans aims to provide financial support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many businesses has Vans supported through the 'Foot the Bill' program?

Vans has supported 27 small businesses since the program's inception in early 2021.

When was the 'Foot the Bill' program announced?

The 'Foot the Bill' program was launched on March 8, 2021.

How does Vans support women-owned businesses in March 2021?

In March 2021, Vans highlighted women-owned businesses as part of the 'Foot the Bill' program during International Women's Month.

Where can I nominate a small business for Vans' 'Foot the Bill' program?

Small businesses can be nominated through the Vans 'Foot the Bill' website at vans.com/footthebill.