Big Businesses That Make A Difference

Big Businesses That Make A Difference

photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc

Dare I say that shopping has changed over the last decade? Shopping online has increased in popularity, along with supporting small businesses. Larger companies are having to choose new ways to set themselves apart in order to make sales.

In my opinion, there are many businesses that are setting themselves apart in an amazing way!

Companies sharing their profits with others has begun to change the face of commerce. They have gained popularity as the public at large attempts to make a difference while simply making purchases they would have made anyhow.


The number one company we think of when talking about ‘one-for-one’ has to be TOMS. Not only have these shoes gained their popularity for their style, people are making their purchases knowing that when they buy a pair of shoes, someone in need is also getting a pair.

TOMS has also introduced “The Marketplace” where shoppers can buy items, from a bicycle to a hat or housewares, while supporting ‘the cause’. In The Marketplace you can make purchases from other companies with like-minded beliefs and business models to TOMS. One of the co-founders of TOMS, Blake Mycoski, states “the reason we exist is very simple. To use business to improve people’s lives”. Now if that doesn’t inspire you to shop at The Marketplace, I don’t know what will.


Warby Parker, a sunglass company, also uses the one for one business model.

” Our approach is simple. For every pair of Warby Parker glasses purchased, a pair is distributed to someone in need with the help of our nonprofit partners.” From Warby Parker’s Website

This past summer, Warby Parker hit 500,000 pairs that are now on people who need them the most.


H&M has done various charitable promotions over the last several years. Recently it gave 25% of proceeds due to purchases from their “Fashion Against AIDS” collection in order to support HIV/AIDS prevention.

Another great program they have in place is their clothing exchange.

“If you’ve got something worn, torn or hopelessly out of style – don’t throw it away or let it pile up in the back of your wardrobe. Bring it to us and help reduce the amount of fashion being wasted.

Bring your unwanted clothes to any H&M store. For each bag of clothes you hand in, you will receive:

  • In Canada, a $5 voucher to redeem on your next purchase of $30 or more.
  • In the US, 15% off 1 item of your choice on your next purchase.

Your clothes are sent with our usual deliveries to the nearest processing plant. The clothes are then graded and hand-sorted. Zero waste is the goal. Items that are too worn and torn to be reused will be recycled and turned into raw materials and new products.”


Feed Projects is another site that has been using the sale of products to send money to people who need it the most. Co-founded by Lauren Bush, The FEED Project is supported by many other companies, including Diapers.com.

“FEED Projects’ mission is to create good products that help FEED the world. We do this through the sale of FEED bags, bears, t-shirts, and other accessories by building a set donation into the cost of each product. Thus the impact of each product, signified by a stenciled number, is understandable, tangible, and meaningful.

We take great pride in using environmentally-friendly and artisan-made materials, along with fair-labor production, in creating all FEED products.

We stand behind our brand and the organizations and humanitarian programs each FEED product supports. Ultimately, we believe that everyone has the right to basic human necessities, such as healthy and nutritious food. FEED is proud to help FEED the world, one bag at a time.” From www.feedprojects.com


Lastly lets look at The Honest Company, which was founded by Jessica Alba.

“With a mission to help create healthier, happier homes and a better future for children, The Honest Company makes eco-friendly diapers and a natural line of bath, skincare, cleaning and organic nutritional supplement products.”

Unlike the companies above, The Honest Company gives back to a need, closer to home.

“With every purchase made, Honest donates money, product and time to our current charitable partner Baby2Baby that provides essential baby gear and clothes to Los Angeles families in need. Over the past year, they served more 50,000 children in the community, and we donated 106,537 total units of product to date.”-Jessica Alba


As a business owner, I can’t help but think this is a brilliant marketing  idea. Not only is it beneficial to developing countries, customers feel good about their purchases. When customers feel good shopping from your store, they will shop more frequently.

Which companies do you support based on their commitment to supporting others?

One Response

  1. Anne Sweden

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