Adidas Begins Unloading $1 Billion+ in Leftover Yeezy Shoes

Adidas selling Yeezy shoes

Photo Credit: Damian Barczak

Adidas has resumed selling its unsold Yeezy shoes stock, with plans to dump the rest throughout May 2023. 

The Germany sportswear company says it will sell the collection exclusively through the Adidas Yeezy website. “A significant amount will be donated to selected organizations working to combat discrimination and hate, including racism and antisemitism. These include but are not limited to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change,” the press release announcing the sale reads. 

This is the first time that Adidas Yeezy products have been available to purchase since the company terminated its partnership with the rapper in October 2022. The products available for sale are existing designs and designs initiated in 2022 for sale in 2023. “Additional releases of existing inventory are currently under consideration, but timing is yet to be determined,” the release continues. “Today’s announcement has no immediate impact on the company’s current financial guidance for 2023.”

Adidas says it explored multiple avenues when considering what to do with its unsold stock. “The process involved seeking feedback and listening to a diverse group of employees, organizations, communities, and consumers for how to responsibly manage the existing product. The company went ahead with already committed production orders after the partnership was terminated. This was done to help protect its supply chain partners from being negatively affected by cancellations,” Adidas continues. 

“After careful consideration, we have decided to begin releasing some of the remaining Adidas Yeezy products,” CEO Bjørn Gulden says. “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 on our communities. There is no place in sport or society for hate of any kind and we remain committed to fighting against it.”

 

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