LOCAL: Mr Price respond to accusations about copying local shoe brand, Bathu

There's nothing more amazing than when we see local brands creating fashion that is impacting style around the world. It brings a sense of pride and appreciation for our local talent, and the vision that we as South Africans have. 

As a fashion influencer and clothing apparel entrepreneur (Bombass Clothing), Vic Naidoo believes in local supporting local. Becoming a name that resonates with people from home and from around the world is one of the most important things for designers. 

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So, when we see corporate brands taking the credit for the work that isn't theirs, it does get us feeling upset. Recently, South African influencer and activist Daniel Marven posted a pic on Twitter of what looks like sneakers pictured from a window display set up at a 'retailer'. 

He wrote on the tweet: "Mr Price what Bathu shoe is this one, then you expect our black business to grow." He consequently tagged Mr Price and Bathu shoes. 

Check out the tweet below (courtesy of Twitter):

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Many tweeps came to the forefront saying that they are tired of brands that steal from designers, attacking Mr Price by saying that they have copied fashion wear, like SKIMS from Kim K. Others said that it all comes from China and is branded accordingly.

How sad it is that we have such low standards when it comes to our local brands? 

One person said: "If Mr Price can sell these shoes at R400 and still make a profit, why is Bathu selling the same shoes at over 1k? That means Bathu is overpricing sneakers they don't even have a copyright of. Anyways business is competition nothing personal to Bathu." 

To which another replied: "Because Mr Price has the ability to buy hundreds of thousands of pairs in one go, making it a lot cheaper."

Nevertheless, Mr Price joined the conversation and commented by saying the below (courtesy of Twitter):

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Suffice to say that no one commented apologising to Mr Price, we guess there are some ill feelings there when it comes to their originality. 

But we have to admit that their entire selling point is concerned with being an affordable and accessible brand. So if their customers are saying that they are getting pricier, then they should listen and show their commitment to their brand ambassadors - their customers. 

The pic of the shoes are not in line with the Mr Price branding so whoever took this pic was most likely aiming to throw some shade and didn't expect them to respond. You see what happens when a brand joins the conversation...

Image Courtesy of Twitter