1. What is the social value proposition for TOMS Shoes?
The name TOMS Shoes is derived from “tomorrow” was taken from the original concept “shoes for tomorrow.” TOMS Shoes has developed the social value proposition of the company off the One for One model and the importance of shoes. The One for One Model is for every pair of shoes bought one will be given away to a child in a developing country. The impact that TOMS is trying to make on individuals combines education and health in order to provide children opportunities in the future. They develop this for many reasons, one of which many children in the developing world live in areas with unsafe terrains so by providing shoes, they will reduce the injuries a child could get by walking barefoot. Also by providing shoes to the children, it will prevent a child from getting a disease that is transmitted through the soil. Lastly, they will be able to increase the education for the children they provide shoes for because a lot of schools require children to wear shoes. I think, to sum it up, TOMS Shoes social value proposition is that people will buy a pair of TOMS Shoes because it will help a child in a developing country gain more opportunities and increase their health.
2. Why did they design their business model around shoes?
I believe that they designed their business model around shoes for several reasons. It of course started with the experience TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie had in Argentina when he saw that many children couldn’t afford shoes and he discovered that he shoes that were worn by the locals (Alpargatas) were unique and comfortable. With that, there are a lot of health and educational value to having shoes. As stated in the previous question, having shoes will allow children to attend schools that have a requirement of wearing shoes. It increases their opportunity to be educated which over time will open up more opportunities for them in the