NEWS worthy Clips (1/3)

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Crocs’ comfort makes up for ugly style, fans say

In a world of jeweled thong sandals and Nike Air Force Ones, a resin shoe is far from the prettiest on the market. Clumsily oversized, covered with holes and a flip-flappable strap, Crocs are as anti-fashion as you can get.

But within the last five years, the Colorado-based Crocs, whose shoes range from $30 to $60 a pair, has become the fastest-growing footwear company in the world. People tired of uncomfortable shoes have boosted the company’s sales from $108 million to $364 million in the last year. It’s no wonder that suddenly Crocs are everywhere you look.

“I started wearing Crocs two months ago, and I love them,” said Sandi Brecher. “At first, I didn’t like them. My grandchildren told me to try them, and I did.”

That’s generally how Croc-wearers become fans. They see them. Turn their nose up at them. Try on a pair. Fall in love. Tell a friend. The rainbow-colored are the best example of people choosing comfort over style.

The phenomenon started when three friends, and businessmen, from Colorado to find the perfect boating shoe. They Foam Creations, which had developed a shoe that they believed would meet the needs of the community. The three hired scientists to develop the special resin that they named Crocite and then added the strap. They launched the shoe at a boat show, selling out of 200 pairs. Two years later, the new company bought Foam Creations for $5 million.

Crocs have even spun off an accessories business. Sheri Schmelzer, a mom in Colorado, and her three children developed charms that specially fit in the odd-shaped Crocs holes and called them Jibbitz. Crocs recently bought the company from the Schmelzers for approximately $5 million.

Vocabulary Focus

resin(n)--- a thick, sticky substance produced chemically for use in industry

turn (one’s) nose up (idiom) ---to not accept something because you do not think it is good enough for you

Specialized terms

Lincoln Center(n phr)--- 林肯中心 a group of buildings in New York City that serves as a center for performing arts and houses a total of 12 arts organizations

Rolodex(n)--- 桌上旋转式名片架 a trademark name for a desktop filing system containing removable cards with individuals’ names and contact information

epileptic(adj)--- 患有癫痫的 relating to a condition of he brain which causes a person to lose consciousness for short periods of time or to move in a violent and uncontrolled way