Payless ShoeSource Announces the Launch of Zoe & Zac
While I don’t shop shoes often, it is refreshing to see a specialty shoe retailer put together a brand that isn’t overtly green, particularly in its branding and product design. The new line promises sustainably designed shoes, handbags, jewelry, and socks for under $30.
“The Zoe & Zac products are green because they are made from eco-friendly components and materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp, recycled rubber outsoles, eco-friendly-EVA cushioning, and water-based glues for the shoes. Natural materials like dyed Tagua and Acai nuts are incorporated into the jewelry. The product packaging is eco-smart as well, utilizing 100 percent recycled shoe boxes and soy-based inks for the printing.”
“The brand stresses an “invisibly green,” fashion-first position with regular seasonal updates to reflect the latest trends such as popular silhouettes, key colors and other styling details. Zoe & Zac is expected to evolve to a green brand for the family with expanded products for girls, as well as future offerings for men and boys.”
I’m happy for the direction the company took, and hope it serves as a good example of making green a normal and invisible aspect of both the product design and brand communications - because it’s just the right thing to do. Hopefully hypermarkets Wal-Mart and Target will take on similar initiatives with any house-brand and contract shoe/accessory manufacturing they do.
I’ve sold American designed, Chinese made products to both retailers in the past, and cheap chic without any social/environmental concerns was the norm in 2005. It’s my truest hope that all fashion (low-priced and premium) can be sustainable.
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