Kardashian’s Skims addresses fury over ‘scam’ $148 advent calendar, issues refunds to seething customers
Skims offers buyers refunds
A Skims spokesperson said the company had heard customers’ concerns about the Advent Calendar. The brand contacted every person who bought it and offered either a full refund or store credit.
The spokesperson said the calendar had not met expectations and that customer feedback would help shape future releases. Skims’ website describes the package as twelve days of surprises, including hair accessories and keychains.
Viral unboxing fuels backlash
The calendar contains 12 days of Skims-branded items, including keychains, silk hair ties, hair pins, a squishy and Christmas ornaments. A creator’s TikTok video showing the contents passed 64 million views.
The influencer criticized the price, and commenters questioned whether the items justified the cost. One called it a “box full of pranks,” while another said they would not pay $15 for it.
Brand’s earlier naming controversy
Kardashian launched the clothing company in 2019 under the name Kimono. After criticism over cultural appropriation, the company changed its name to Skims within two weeks. In a 2019 episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kardashian said she had not intended to offend anyone. She said a letter from Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa helped her understand the issue needed to be taken seriously.
Key points
- Skims offered calendar buyers a full refund or credit toward other products.
- The $148 calendar includes 12 days of branded accessories and other items.
- A TikTok unboxing video received more than 64 million views.
- Skims began as Kimono in 2019 and was renamed after cultural appropriation criticism.