Toms, the pioneer of the one-for-one charitable model, will no longer donate a pair of shoes to a child for each pair purchased. Instead, it plans to give a third of annual profits to local community-focused organizations. What, if anything, does Toms’ decision to end its one-for-one charity model say about cause marketing at this point in time?

Millennials increasingly demand meaning from the companies they engage with — not only those they work for, but buy from. Do you think it’s become more important for retailers to infuse emotion and “meaning” into their brands?

From their beginnings, diverse businesses have succeeded by becoming a third place outside of home and work for consumers to pass the hours. The success of various third place destinations has influenced others to share a similar goal. What are the keys to becoming a third place retail space?

Will Brian Cornell be able to return Target to its Tar Jay days? When Target’s new CEO was named to the post in July, many questioned whether he would be able to help the chain regain its cheap chic mantle and brand equity. Do you think Brian Cornell is taking the right approach to helping Target regain its cool image?

TOMS, the company that gives one pair of shoes away for every pair purchased, has broadened its horizons. The company has found like-minded companies to participate in an online marketplace. Will social entrepreneurship become more or less prominent in the coming years?

Last Tuesday, April 4, TOMS Shoes promoted its 4th annual “One Day Without Shoes” campaign designed to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. What do you think of TOMS’ business model? What can other brands learn from TOMS?