Target, Toms announce ‘do-gooding partnership’ for the holidays

Here’s a collaboration that’s sure to warm up the holidays. Target and Toms -- the philanthropy-oriented company that started by donating a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair sold -- are teaming on a holiday collection that they referred to as a “do-gooding partnership.”

Toms founder Blake Mycoskie and Target Executive Vice President Kathee Tesija announced the partnership at Target’s annual meeting in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

“We need to be cool again,” new Target CEO Brian Cornell told the 14,000 company employees gathered for the meeting, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The limited edition collection is scheduled to launch Nov. 16 and will include home goods as well as accessories and apparel for men, women and children, each item priced under $50.

For each item purchased from the collection, Target pledges to donate a blanket, meals or shoes in partnership with Toms and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief, Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. According to a news release, the initiative could provide more than 11 million items to those in need, if sales reach their potential.

“Target’s holiday partnership with Toms is the perfect marriage of both brands’ core values—great design that’s accessible to everyone and a commitment to giving back,” Tesija said in press materials about the collaboration.

A browse through the collection look-book shows some 49 items, from bracelets to blankets, beanies to bottles.

So I’m thinking it won’t be difficult for Target and Toms to meet their “do-gooding” goal.