American Eagle's New Apparel Line Has QR Codes That Let People Donate Directly to Charity

QR codes have won favor over the years as commerce builders for many brands. The matrix barcodes, however, do not always have to be about making a buck. Through its #GivingTuesday initiative, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is buying into the holiday season’s focus on altruism through an apparel line decorated with QR codes that, when scanned, take people directly to the donation page for one of the company's charity partners.

It's #GivingTuesday, and you can make a difference! 100% of sales from the AE x @DeliveringGood collection will go directly to helping homeless & underprivileged youth. Check out the tees, hoodies & beanies designed with the #AExMECouncil, here: https://t.co/6c6okwPUCb pic.twitter.com/9QBWHyH3JD

— American Eagle (@AEO) December 3, 2019

The 42-year-old clothing and accessories retailer has plenty of bucks in the bank, and while it will continue to prove profitable, it is recognizing that giving truly matters more than receiving. So, in addition to the codes, which should make donations easy, American Eagle is sending along proceeds from the line to Delivering Good, a charity helping improve the lives of homeless and underprivileged individuals.

Nine products comprise the collection, and while the T-shirts that read "Youth Can Make a Difference," "Make a Difference" and "Be Kind" stand out as eye-catching apparel options, their ability to serve a greater cause should be the main draw. As Elite Daily notes, none is relatively expensive, freeing up consumers, if they have the means, to consider using any generated savings or money, period, on improving the welfare of those most in need.

American Eagle has enjoyed a particularly good run as of late, especially through its tailgating gear partnership with the NBA and NFL. When we add that connection to the company’s already thriving portfolio, it’s easy to see that the powers that be will not want for anything this holiday season or many more to come. Therefore, it makes good sense, primarily from a feel-good perspective, that they relax their pursuit of revenue in favor of giving the downtrodden a boost. Here’s hoping that admirers of American Eagle help that population soar.