Toms, the socially conscious brand that donates shoes or provides eye care for each pair of shoes or sunglasses that it sells, launched an online marketplace on Tuesday.
Called the Marketplace, the offshoot carries more than 200 products from 30 different companies, all of which incorporate giving back into their business models.
See also: 12 Holiday Gifts That Give Back
"At Toms, we feel it's our responsibility to give companies that are integrating a social mission into their business some exposure," Toms founder Blake Mycoskie told Mashable. "How can we use our community and infrastructure to lift up our movement? I just loved this idea, and it can provide a big benefit to these organizations."
Mycoskie said the idea for a Toms marketplace emerged after he wrote his book, Start Something That Matters. Like-minded social entrepreneurs approached him to seek advice, and to send him their products. The Marketplace is the best way to introduce other inspiring products to Toms' engaged community, Mycoskie added.
"We're all on the same team of people who integrate a social mission into our products ," he said.
In addition to selling home goods, apparel and accessories, the Marketplace highlights the work of the brands it sells. Shoppers can read and watch videos about founders' stories before deciding which products to purchase. What's more, they can search for items by types of product, as well as by the region of the world from which they'd like to shop.
Leading up to the holidays, Mycoskie envisions the Marketplace to be a one-stop destination for shoppers looking to purchase gifts for their family and friends. In the past, 75% of Toms shoes have been purchased by women, although several men's models are available. In curating the Marketplace, Toms focused on carrying products that both men and women would love equally.
"I curate from that lens," Mycoskie said. "I like to be able to go to one place and knock it all out."
Since its launch in 2006, Toms has sold — and subsequently donated — more than 10 million pairs of shoes, and will sell and give another 10 million in the next year to 18 months. Its more recently launched sunglasses line has helped bring eye surgeries and prescription glasses to 200,000 people around the world.
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Image: Toms