Toms Versus Bobs
The other day I was walking through Town Shoes, and I smiled when I saw a pair of Toms on display. I thought, yay Toms are getting more awareness.
Now, you see I love Toms. I have one pair and I want more. And I love when others buy them because I feel like they’re supporting such a great cause. So yes, I was happy when I saw them at Town Shoes.
But as I walked up to go get a closer look, my smile turned upside down….
They were Bobs. Are you serious, Bobs?
I wondered, what sort of company would rip off Toms in such a blatant way?
What I mean is these Bobs look EXACTLY like Toms.
See Exhibit A
Now, you see I love Toms. I have one pair and I want more. And I love when others buy them because I feel like they’re supporting such a great cause. So yes, I was happy when I saw them at Town Shoes.
But as I walked up to go get a closer look, my smile turned upside down….
They were Bobs. Are you serious, Bobs?
I wondered, what sort of company would rip off Toms in such a blatant way?
What I mean is these Bobs look EXACTLY like Toms.
See Exhibit A
and B
and C.
And besides the obvious shoe styles, even the name is similar. Toms/Tom vs. Bobs/Bob. Why couldn’t they come up with something else.
The differences that Bobs bring to the table is they are about $5 - $10 dollars cheaper, and I think they tried to one-up Toms. They give 2 shoes for every 1 bought.
Now see, I don’t want to seem bitter. Donating shoes to children that need it is a wonderful thing. I feel though, that if Skechers really wanted to do this through the goodness of their hearts, they could have at least picked shoes that looked different. They are a huge company, especially in comparison to Toms. They therefore should have had the time, money and resources to come up with a different marketing scheme. Toms, who created their wonderful business model, should not have to be competing with a giant company when they want to do good.
Anyways, that is my rant. I was mad when I discovered this.
On another note, I really want these Toms… cute right?
Now see, I don’t want to seem bitter. Donating shoes to children that need it is a wonderful thing. I feel though, that if Skechers really wanted to do this through the goodness of their hearts, they could have at least picked shoes that looked different. They are a huge company, especially in comparison to Toms. They therefore should have had the time, money and resources to come up with a different marketing scheme. Toms, who created their wonderful business model, should not have to be competing with a giant company when they want to do good.
Anyways, that is my rant. I was mad when I discovered this.
On another note, I really want these Toms… cute right?
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