In an unexpected announcement, Adidas revealed in May 2023 that it would begin selling some of the remaining inventory of Adidas YEEZY products. This decision comes after the termination of the YEEZY partnership in October 2022. The release will include a range of existing designs and designs initiated in 2022 for sale in 2023, available exclusively through adidas.com/yeezy and the Adidas CONFIRMED app.
The decision to release the remaining Adidas YEEZY products was made after careful consideration and consultation with a diverse group of employees, organizations, communities, and consumers. The aim was to find a responsible way to manage the existing product while also protecting its supply chain partners from potential negative effects of cancellations.
Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden stated, "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."
However, this move raises questions about the motivations behind it. Is this a strategic decision driven by business needs, or is it a genuine commitment to social responsibility? Furthermore, Adidas will be donating a significant amount to selected organizations working to combat discrimination and hate, including racism and antisemitism. These organizations include the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change.
This latest Adidas Yeezy drop is not just about releasing new products; it's a move that has implications for the brand's image, its relationship with its customers, and its role in the broader societal context. As observers, we can only wait and see the long-term effects of this decision.
