Toad&Co’s CEO says the brand will ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’ with independent retailers until ‘life returns to normal.’
As fears mount around the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), schools, businesses, even the Centers for Disease Control are urging people to stay home to prevent the spread of the disease. And while this has sparked a rush on certain household products like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and more, the situation has left many retailers with full aisles and empty stores.
So in an effort to buoy its sagging retailer partners, Toad&Co, manufacturer of sustainable clothing and outerwear, this week announced it will distribute some of its online profits with independent brick-and-mortar shops.
“We cannot ignore the reality we could be facing a considerable retail disruption,” said Toad&Co CEO Gordon Seabury.
“Many of our retail partners have been major brand supporters, loyal partners, and friends over the last 20 years. I sincerely hope the disruption from COVID-19 is short-lived and low-impact on our businesses. But in the meantime, we stand with our retailers shoulder to shoulder.”
Toad&Co to Help Retailers
Seabury announced the California-based company will distribute 10% of its e-commerce profits from first-time customers to specialty independent retailers. According to the brand, this response marks the first of its kind in the coronavirus crisis.
The program will allocate proceeds regionally based on sales territory. Toad&Co said it will begin tracking e-commerce sales for the program on March 15 and extend it “at least 2 months.” And because the future of the coronavirus outbreak remains uncertain, the brand noted it could extend the program “as circumstances dictate.”
Stay up to date on how coronavirus continues to impact the outdoor industry with our updated coverage.
