May 6, 2023
By Francesco Infurna
Staff Writer
When sportswear manufacturer Adidas made the decision to cut ties with rapper/singer Kanye West, who goes by Ye, it was left with an abundance of Yeezy products that it could not sell. This forced Adidas to make a choice about what to do with its leftover Yeezy products.
On Oct. 25, 2022, Adidas released a statement addressing the termination of its partnership with Ye, saying it does not tolerate his antisemitic remarks and that they violate the company’s values. While not shocking, this news disappointed fans of Ye and the Yeezy product line.
Junior Sebastian Liuba said he is sad Yeezy products will no longer be available.
“I first heard Kanye was cutting ties with Adidas in a YouTube video because I like to be up-to-date on new shoe releases,” Liuba said. “I was extremely disappointed with the news, as there would be no more shoe or slide releases under the Yeezy brand.”
He said he has enjoyed wearing his Yeezy slides, which he purchased in the summer of 2022.
“In my opinion, the slides are the most comfortable footwear I’ve worn, as there is so much cushion,” Liuba said.
While the news was frustrating for many, it was an even bigger issue for Adidas when it analyzed the future consequences of its split with Ye.
On Feb. 9, Adidas released a statement regarding the company’s financial situation, explaining the economic effects that not repurposing Yeezy products would have on the company.
If Adidas decided not to repurpose any of its remaining Yeezy products, it could lose about $767 million in inventory.
“There is so much waste and excess of clothes that are just discarded.”
Disposing of these unused products could also have severe environmental effects.
Junior Isabella Guzman, a member of the Environmental Club, said there is no point in throwing away the leftover products.
“There is so much waste and excess of clothes that are just discarded. There is no need, [so Adidas should] put the extra items to better use. Just because something may not be trendy anymore does not mean it is garbage or cannot be repurposed,” Guzman said.
She said Adidas should donate its leftover products to thrift stores or charities where they would help people in need and not harm the planet.
“I think as time goes on and people recognize the damage of over-consumption and the footprint that mass consumerism leaves on the planet, people are growing more conscious of the environmental impact,” Guzman said.
Like Guzman, History teacher Mrs. Schiraldi, who has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, said to avoid wasting these products, Adidas could give away these products to people in need or charities.
“I think donating all or some or parts of the product would help the company’s marketing and public relations,” Schiraldi said.
She said sneakers are made from materials that can be repurposed to make other clothing products.
“I think every company needs to improve its sustainable practices. This seems to be the problem with companies in general in this country. It has been about making money for companies for centuries. No one thought of how this was affecting the environment until recently. I think every company, as well as every person, needs to do their part so things are better for future generations,” Schiraldi said.
