COVID-19 has swept across the world and completely changed the retail experience for millions in the process. Stores and restaurants have been closed for the foreseeable future as well as any place that is considered non-essential.
While businesses are closed, many may struggle to maintain cash flow and pay their employees and often have to seek assistance from their small business lawyer to make crucial decisions. In some cases, we have seen employees let go as payroll cannot be met, since the employers or entrepreneurs themselves are struggling to keep up in the difficult times.
While they may be putting their best efforts to manage bookkeeping, maintaining cash flow, and avoiding any debt, this situation didn’t show mercy on anyone. It’s especially difficult to see this happening to locally owned businesses that are staples in the community, wherever you are from. People work hard for themselves and for their society, so a hit to their trade feels personal to the members of the community. Businesses who might have wanted to improve their footfall in these trying times might have looked at various Reputation management services that could have helped them get back into the groove despite the trying times.
However, in the interest of supporting small businesses, Vans has launched the Foot the Bill initiative.
As Vans puts it, “We have partnered with local and community-driven skate shops, restaurants, art galleries and music venues to support them with custom-designed Vans footwear.” Vans has partnered with small businesses across the globe, each one designing a pair of Vans Slip-Ons that can be personally before purchase. All profits will be go directly to the small business, with the only money that Vans keeps is the cost of production and shipping.
When you select a pair of shoes you can learn more about the company, the inspiration behind the design, and what they will do with the money from your purchase. Among the list of partners is three Chicago businesses, including Uprise Skateshop. The 22-year-old Wicker Park staple will be giving all proceeds to the 9 employees of the store that are the backbone of the business.
Check out the roster of designs and support your local business(es) at the Vans Foot the Bill website.