Adidas Aids Bangladesh With Almost-Free Footwear

Posted by Sara Zucker on November 17, 2009 05:48 PM

Bangladesh's Nobel Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, the pioneer of micro-loans that help the poor start their own businesses, recently inspired Adidas to lower its training shoe prices to a staggering bargain for those in developing countries who can't afford regular prices: around €1.

This venture follows last month's news that the footwear giant would invest $100M to set up a manufacturing plant in the country. Adidas, which has been charged with labor exploitation in developing countries, sees this commitment as an opportunity to improve its image. Yunus stressed that his country needed "social businesses" to help create jobs, and Adidas has agreed to produce shoes in Bangladesh on a non-profit basis.

Adidas spokesman Jan Runau confirmed the agreement to begin production of the shoes in Bangladesh next year, but said the project was at an early stage. It has not been decided whether or not the shoes would carry the Adidas brand or its trademark three-stripes design.

The investment can have a big impact: garment workers in Bangladesh have an annual income of less than $1,396 per capita – making them the poorest paid in the world.

Though additional design and branding decisions have not been finalized, Adidas hopes that this move will improve its reputation for social responsibility. With million-dollar contracts and sponsorships on the company's bills each year, this philanthropic venture should aid everyone, including Adidas.

More about: Sports, Adidas, Muhammed Yunus, Bangladesh, Footwear, Fashion

Gabirel Steinmann says:

I commend adidas for reaching out and spreading goodwill. It seems that they are making a genuine attempt to help the people of Bangladesh. Time will tell how committed they are.

November 18, 2009 12:04 PM # Reply

sunny says:

I just wanted to share some piece of information for those looking out to buy exercise shoes. It’s very important to shop for the right shoes without being carried away by the mirrors, lights, great displays and other such luring factors where you often tend to forget the comfort of the shoe.

Make sure you wear thick socks or those that you often wear for exercising so that you get the right size shoe. Another interesting point to notice is that our feet tend to swell a bit in the evening so buying shoes during evening is the ideal time as this will help you buy the shoe for the maximum foot size. Most important of all is don’t go by the pricing of the shoes while buying them. A high price does not always mean top quality. The price tends to be higher since the shoes are endorsed by reputed personalities. Buy your shoes based on the frequency of usage. If you are in a regular exercise routine, then you can consider extending your budget.

January 17, 2010 05:10 AM # Reply

Sharing New says:

As long as you like shoes, you must not miss the first to get it. Take a look inside your pocket money, it is worth you to buy it. Shoes, household appliances or computers with the same, has introduced a new style, do we want first to have it? Yes, I will.

January 17, 2010 05:12 AM # Reply