adidas has just made an exciting announcement that will have sneaker enthusiasts and fashion aficionados buzzing with anticipation.
They have revealed their plans to release a limited inventory of the highly coveted adidas YEEZY products, marking a momentous occasion for fans worldwide.
This exclusive release is set to take place at the end of May 2023, and eager shoppers can find these extraordinary designs exclusively on adidas.com/yeezy and the adidas CONFIRMED app.
However, this is not just a typical product launch. adidas is demonstrating its commitment to making a positive impact in society by donating a significant portion of the remaining inventory to selected organizations actively fighting against discrimination and hate, with a particular focus on combating racism and antisemitism.
Among the notable organizations receiving support are the esteemed Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, led by Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd. This powerful gesture highlights adidas’ dedication to social responsibility and its firm stance against all forms of hatred.
What makes this release even more intriguing is the fact that it represents the first opportunity for consumers to acquire adidas YEEZY products since the partnership between adidas and YEEZY was terminated in October 2022.
Enthusiasts can expect to find a collection of existing designs as well as brand-new creations that were initiated in 2022 and meticulously crafted for release in 2023.
While additional releases of the existing inventory are being considered, the exact timing has yet to be determined. However, this groundbreaking announcement does not impact adidas’ current financial guidance for 2023, ensuring stability for the company and its stakeholders.
Since the termination of the YEEZY partnership, adidas has embarked on an extensive exploration of various scenarios to determine the most responsible and impactful use of the existing YEEZY inventory.
They have actively sought feedback from a diverse array of individuals and organizations, including employees, communities, and consumers, to ensure a thoughtful approach to managing these highly sought-after products.
In an admirable effort to safeguard their supply chain partners from adverse consequences, adidas honoured production orders that were already in progress when the partnership concluded.
Bjørn Gulden, the CEO of Adidas, explained the thoughtful decision-making process behind this momentous release: “After careful consideration, we have decided to begin releasing some of the remaining adidas YEEZY products.
Selling and donating was the preferred option among all organizations and stakeholders we spoke to. We believe this is the best solution as it respects the created designs and produced shoes, it works for our people, resolves an inventory problem, and will have a positive impact in our communities. There is no place in sport or society for hate of any kind, and we remain committed to fighting against it.”
The significance of adidas’ actions in combating hate and discrimination has not gone unnoticed. Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, expressed his appreciation, especially at a time when antisemitism is alarmingly on the rise globally: “At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels in the U.S. and is rising globally, we appreciate how adidas turned a negative situation into a very positive outcome.
They have shown real thoughtfulness in engaging with community organizations working to combat this pernicious and stubborn hatred. Their leadership, in not only condemning anti-Jewish hate but lending their support for education and other initiatives, is exemplary and a model for other public companies to emulate.
We thank them for their ongoing dialogue around their remaining inventory and their vested interest in tackling issues of prejudice and hate.”
To ensure a lasting impact on communities, adidas will partner with the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, founded by Philonise Floyd, to drive community programs through the powerful combination of sport and education. This partnership aims to create a meaningful legacy and inspire positive change.
If you represent an organization interested in proposing projects that combat discrimination and hate through sports, you can register your interest by reaching out to changinglivesthroughsport@adidas.com.
By joining forces with Adidas, you have the opportunity to contribute to a noble cause and make a real difference in the fight against prejudice and hatred.