Adam Thompson never set out to start a sock company — he set out to end suffering. Specifically, the quiet tragedy of wandering a store in search of interesting socks and finding nothing but an endless sea of matching pairs. As Owner and Chief Sock Officer of Friday Sock Co., Thompson has built a Calgary-based brand around the radical proposition that socks should be purposely mismatched, joyful, and ethically made — and the market has agreed.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our company name is Friday Sock Co. and was in fact named after my favourite day of the week. We make purposely mismatched socks!
What made you want to do this work?
We wanted to end the suffering that people endure while shopping for interesting socks. The fact that matching socks have 99% of the sock market… It’s a travesty.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We wanted to make something that wasn’t around or available. Something interesting that would evoke a positive/nostalgic reaction in customers. We also wanted to do it in an ethical way, and prove that you can give back to the community (and beyond) while scaling a business.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Anyone with feet!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We are primarily ecommerce and also sell wholesale to brick-and-mortar indie retailers. On top of this, we also offer a custom sock program for companies and nonprofits that want brand swag or a different/fun/cool fundraising product. On the wholesale (brick and mortar) side, we are in over 1000 stores in Canada and the US.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our head office and warehouse is located at 428 28 Street NE. We have a store inside called The Weekday Store.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Where are your socks made, and by whom? Our socks are Ethically Made in Northern Italy through our partnership with 5 family-owned factories.
Who designs them? Our amazing team of designers design them right here in Calgary.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Right now, the best part is planning for continued growth while working on our internal culture. We’re doing a lot of really cool things this year. Worst part is the constant demands of a small business… It’s definitely not a 9-5. But! I still really enjoy that part too.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I had two really good jokes about a matching pair of socks, but I lost one.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Bells of Steel. Kaevon Khoozani
