What’s even more satisfying than finding a great T-shirt, or the perfect bag? Knowing someone in need will benefit when you buy it. From TOMS to BoxLunch—two stores where every purchase benefits a philanthropic mission—there are a growing number of ways to shop for a cause at Mall of America.
The latest addition is Debut: Shop for Kindness, featuring more than a dozen brands that give back—from Humble Apparel’s clothing that benefits the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to House of Talents’ artisan-made baskets and textiles, fostering economic development in rural communities of West Africa.
Brands that Stand for Something
“Yes, we’re in the business of bringing brands to life here for shopping, dining and entertainment, but we’re also in the business of creating experiences and enriching people’s lives, making them better,” said Liz McLay, senior vice president of leasing for the Mall. “Consumers feel empowered by brands that stand for something,”
And that’s how Shop for Kindness came about at Debut, the Mall’s one-of-a-kind store featuring a rotating collection of local and national brands under one roof with a new theme every six months. “We wanted to do something that gave our guests the chance to engage with brands they care about, and take action to support them.”
At Shop for Kindness, the missions are as varied as the merchandise. Colorful rain boots by Roma benefit educational initiatives around the world. For every item sold by PAB’s Packs, the company, founded by two Twin Cities teens, donates a backpack filled with items meant to comfort children living with chronic illness. Minneapolis-based MY SISTER supports sex traffic prevention through the sale of its ethically sourced apparel and accessories.
“The idea of bunking up with other brands who are also committed to doing good is so exciting,” said Mandy Multerer, CEO and co-founder of My Sister. “And to do so in the biggest mall in the nation, now that’s awesome. Think of the positive impact we’ll make together.”
Shop for Kindness is open through Sept. 10 at 125 North Garden.
Five More Stores Where Every Purchase Gives Back
- TOMS: The brand that created the one-for-one model donates an item for every pair of shoes, sunglasses or bag purchased.
- Greater Good: From jewelry to leather goods, every item purchased supports a charitable cause ranging from autism research to breast cancer prevention.
- Creative Kidstuff: Owned by the same company as Greater Good, Creative Kidstuff donates a toy, book or warm item of clothing to a child in need for every item purchased.
- Altar’d State: Mondays at this women’s lifestyle store are known as “Mission Monday,” with 10 percent of net proceeds donated to a local non-profit selected by the store’s staff. In addition to giving locally in each community where it does business, Altar’d State sponsors children in high-risk areas of Peru. The company also promotes volunteerism from within, paying its staff for up to four hours of volunteer work each month.
- BoxLunch: For every $10 spent at the gift and novelty shop, BoxLunch provides a meal to a person in need through a partnership with Feeding America.
