Zappos CEO Scott Schaefer sees the e-tailer’s work in the adaptive footwear space as part and parcel of the company’s core values.
In a speech accepting the Social Impact Award for Zappos at the 37th annual FN Achievement Awards, held Wednesday in New York, Schaefer and Dana Zumbo, business development manager for Zappos Adaptive, explained how having a positive impact is a core tenet of the company — and was a key motivator in the decision to enter the Adaptive footwear market.
“Giving back to the community is a mission at Zappos that we don’t take lightly,” Schaefer said. “From the hard work that our Zappos for Good team does year round, to the amazing efforts and passion our Zappos Adaptive team has, day in and day out, making a positive impact is at the core of the company’s business.”
Zappos’ introduction to adaptive fashion came in 2014 with a phone call to its famed customer service department. A shopper wanted to return a pair of shoes for her grandson, who had autism, and mentioned that she found it difficult to find shoes built for his specific needs (such as easier open and closure mechanisms). This conversation made its way up the chain to Zappos leadership, including Schaefer, who at the time was working as senior director of finance and operations.
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After researching the market and suitable products, Zappos launched the Zappos Adaptive Shopping Experience in 2017. And in March 2019, Zappos further reinforced its commitment to the cause by partnering with “Runway of Dreams,” an organization that supports disability inclusion in the fashion industry, to host an inclusive fashion show during Zappos’ vendor summit.
Over the years, Zappos’ Adaptive selection has grown to include thousands of shoe styles for men, women and kids, from brands such as Adidas, Billy Footwear, Keen, Merrell, Skechers, Puma and many more. And Zappos worked directly with Ugg, Sorel, Reebok and Crocs to help design their adaptive products. (Collections with three more brands are set to launch in 2024.)
“We would not have the impact and experience without the help of so many incredible partners,” Zumbo said. “Collaborating with brands, organizations, influencers and schools in a collective effort to give back really has helped to get us where we are today. So this award also goes out to all of you.”
In 2022, Zappos was the official footwear sponsor of the Special Olympics USA games. The retailer has also continued to work with Runway of Dreams and this fall was recognized at its New York Fashion Week event with the Pioneer of Change Award, presented to Schaefer and Zumbo. Among its many services, Zappos introduced a program in 2020 that offers single shoes for people who might need only one shoe or footwear in different sizes.
“Thank you so much to all of our brand partners who work our Zappos Adaptive team to make products to help people live better independent lives,” said Schaefer, whose eldest son has autism. “It’s work that touches my household, and so many other households in the world.”
For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.
