Every October, we've seen various beauty and fashion brands promoting specials that in some way contribute to a breast cancer charity. There has been great debate about this practice, especially when some brands are looking more towards profit in their pockets with a very small percentage going to the charity itself. However, one fashion brand has really stepped up it's efforts to donate a larger portion of it's breast cancer promotional campaign sales than any other I have seen this far.

Ann Taylor, who has 887 stores in 46 states and is the leading women's specialty retail store, has launched ANN Cares Cards that will entitle cardholders to discounts at their stores (Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT and Ann Taylor Factory) while donating 85% of the proceeds of the sale of the cards to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

My theory is that people are going to shop regardless of a charity event, and more times than not, if a product is in some way linked to a charitable cause a shopper tends to spend more (but more than they would a direct contribution to the charity? That is debatable.) I would really love to see more fashion and beauty brands increasing the percentage of their profit proceeds to charity from the sullen and sad 10-20% to a weightier 85% or more as Ann Taylor has.

Do you have an opinion? Let us know!

* Photo Credit: AnnCares.com