Why sneaker company Mizuno isn’t milking Wendy Davis publicity
While obviously less important than her actions, it was hard not to notice the pink sneakers Texas State Senator Wendy Davis wore (with her Erdem dress) during her 11-hour filibuster on Monday….
A rep from Mizuno tells WWD that, unsurprisingly, traffic to brand’s website nearly doubled, with most visitors searching for Davis’s style….
However, Mizuno does not seem too keen on milking or promoting or cashing in on the publicity–or even expressing support for Davis, as Erdem did, emphatically. The topic of women’s rights seems to be one that Mizuno prefers not to take a stance on, which is fine. “We do appreciate Ms. Davis’ choice in athletic footwear; however, do not maintain a corporate position related to the topic in discussion,” the rep said.
A search on the FEC’s political donations database reveals that Mizuno President Robert Puccini has donated at least twice to the Republican National Committee and voted for Mitt Romney in 2012. So, that could have something to do with the company’s lack of enthusiasm.
~ Fashionista.com, June 28
[HT for post title: Fashionista.com]
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
“A search on the FEC’s political donations database reveals that Mizuno PresidentRobert Puccini has donated at least twice to the Republican National Committee and voted for Mitt Romney in 2012.”
There’s a database that keeps track of who you voted for? Surely, they meant to say that he donated to Romney as well. Of course, that means he likely voted for Romney, but that strictly speaking is not the information that was recorded.
Whenever I need new running shoes (training for a marathon), I’ll check into Mizuno.
Good to know. I think about where my money is going everytime I make a purchase, although of course it’s not always possible to know. I’m much more likely to buy Mizuno’s now, knowing the apparently conservative leanings of the company president. I noticed Mizuno’s at my local dsw and was interested in them because – yes, I know this is silly, but – the name sounds Japanese and I lived in Japan for two years. Mizuno’s are pricy, but I was told by someone, a patient I believe who does some running, that they are good sneakers. Will definitely consider buying them next time.
I appreciate this company’s decision to stay out of the political ugliness involved here. Most likely they don’t support Ms. Davis, but it sounds like the board is savvy enough to avoid the backlash of openly saying so.
BTW, when did it become necessary/expected for companies to have an “official position” on political issues? Or for consumers to make a “statement” based on what/where we shop?
So, that could have something to do with the company’s lack of enthusiasm.
Or it could be that some people don’t want to be associated with a woman who is willing to talk for eleven hours defending mothers’ right to slaughter their children.
BTW, when did it become necessary/expected for companies to have an “official position” on political issues? Or for consumers to make a “statement” based on what/where we shop?
Someone left a note card in the teacher’s lounge where I work. It named a local business that was found to have donated money to Governor Walker’s campaign and that we school employees needed to boycott that business. This business has donated a lot to the community as well as employs many people.
Backfire. Word got out and this business is thriving now more than ever.
Voted for Romney with his money, I guess. In this latter day, we wouldn’t be surprised if a federal agency was illegally collecting voter data.
There is a surprisingly large percentage of Sconnies in Jill’s little community of comment posters!
Praxedes…. would you be willing to share the name of that generous business? Or perhaps a clue?
What is a ‘sconnie’?
Well, logic would dictate it’s short for Wisconsin. I would call them Cheeseheads. Who doesn’t like cheese? Others might prefer honey badgers. And there does seem to be a majority from there on here, for some reason.
Who doesn’t like cheese?
I love Wisconsin cheese! I love butter burgers and frozen custard, too.
I just moved to Wisconsin 2 years ago, so I’m not a *real* Wisconsinite. :P
Well, I guess I’m closely related in PA. Not as a “Keystoner”, but because of our cheesesteaks.
But don’t get me started on scrapple. It makes Spam look like filet mignon!
I’m gonna be looking at some Mizuno shoes/sneakers.
Now it’s just funny that Wendy was wearing Mizuno shoes.