Kim Kardashian’s company Skims has spoken out about the backlash over its $148 Accessory Advent Calendar being called a “scam” online.
“We are aware of the feedback some customers have shared about the Skims Advent Calendar and have listened carefully,” a representative for the reality star said in a statement to Page Six on behalf of the brand.
The spokesperson said that because “the calendar did not meet expectations,” the company “personally contacted each customer who purchased the calendar and offered them the option of a full refund or Skims credit to be applied towards other products.”
“We want every customer to be truly satisfied with the services they receive from Skims,” the statement continued. “Their feedback is important to us and will directly shape how we approach future releases.”
Kardashian, 46, and her multibillion-dollar company came under fire after a TikTok video went viral in which a creator unpacked 12 days of advent calendars containing Skims-branded keychains, silk bobby pins, bobby pins, Skims softies and Christmas ornaments.
After pointing out each item, the influencer said: “Kimberly, you’re really about to piss me off. This is too expensive.”
The uproar continued in the comments section of the video, which has been viewed more than 64 million times, with one social media user calling the product “a box full of jokes.”
“WHAT IS IN 150 DOLLARS, WHO?” While another fan said this, a different TikTok user insisted they “won’t pay $15” for the box.
“This is absolutely disrespectful,” said another.
“I bet they didn’t expect someone to do this. They will miss out on sales,” another person wrote.
Accessories Advent Calendar is sold out and on the waiting list.
On its site, Skims says the bundle includes “twelve days of fun surprises” and gives buyers the chance to “unlock a mix of fun items and everyday favorites, from hair accessories to keychains and more.”
Kardashian first launched her clothing brand in 2019 under the name “Kimono,” a play on her name and the traditional Japanese T-shaped robe with wide sleeves.
Within two weeks, cultural appropriation comments reached fever pitch online and the company was renamed Skims.
During a 2019 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the mother of four insisted that it was “never her intention to offend anyone” when she first named her company.
“Stupidly and ignorantly, we never thought this would be a problem,” he said, explaining that receiving a letter from Daisaku Kadokawa, the mayor of Kyoto, Japan, helped him realize that the situation needed to be taken “really seriously.”
“I felt an understanding when I read that letter. I definitely didn’t mean to disrespect a culture,” Kardashian said.