When Skechers cut the ribbon celebrating its new Maui store opening last week, it also revealed financial contributions to local organizations as the city continues to recover from the wildfires that ravaged through the Hawaiian island in 2023.
With Skechers president Michael Greenberg in attendance, the company presented a $50,000 donation to Help Maui Rise, an organization focused on the distribution of funds to those displaced by the Maui fires. This financial contribution, Skechers explained, provides “crucial support during a highly stressful period” and offers “hope and tangible assistance to those still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating fires.”
Also, Skechers provided a $25,000 contribution to the Lahaina Intermediate School through its partnership with Adoptaclassroom.org, a nonprofit that raises funds for classroom supplies and educational materials. This donation, Skechers explained, will address “the unique obstacles faced by students and teachers in the wake of the wildfires” and will provide “students with the stability and resources they need to thrive academically and emotionally.”
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Joining Greenberg at the ribbon cutting was Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and representatives from both Help Maui Rise and the Lahaina Intermediate School.
In a statement, Skechers said these donations are part of its long-term commitment to Maui’s recovery, and will build upon not only its previous $250,000 donation to the Maui Strong Fund, but its apparel and footwear donations to FEMA and other organizations as well.
Because of its multi-faceted philanthropic efforts, Skechers will be honored in New York on Dec. 4 at the FN Achievement Awards (FNAAs). The company will receive the coveted Icon Award for Social Impact.
As for the store — which is located in the city of Kahului — it spans 20,821 square feet and offers its footwear, apparel and accessory collections. This includes Skechers Performance and Skechers Apparel shop-in-shops. As for the décor, it pairs Skechers’ signature style with Hawaii‘s horticulture, and features plants native to the area.
What’s more, Skechers said some store employees from the original Skechers Lahaina store that was affected by the 2023 fires are now part of the team at the new location.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
