SKIMS Faces Backlash Over $148 Advent Calendar, Offers Customers Full Refunds

SKIMS Responds to $148 Advent Calendar Backlash With Refunds

Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS is facing widespread criticism after its $148 holiday advent calendar sparked outrage among customers who questioned whether the products inside were worth the hefty price tag. Following viral unboxing videos and complaints across social media, the company has responded by offering customers a choice between a full refund and store credit.

The controversy has become a major holiday shopping talking point, raising questions about product value, brand expectations and how much consumers are willing to pay for a recognizable name.

SKIMS Responds to Customer Complaints

SKIMS acknowledged the criticism and addressed customer dissatisfaction after buyers began sharing their experiences online. The company confirmed that it had contacted customers who purchased the advent calendar and offered them a choice between a full refund or SKIMS store credit. The company also said customer feedback would help shape its approach to future product releases.

What Was Inside the $148 SKIMS Advent Calendar?

The limited-edition SKIMS Accessories Advent Calendar was marketed as a 12-day holiday countdown featuring a collection of accessories and everyday items. Among the products revealed in customer unboxing videos were keychains, hair ties, satin scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, Christmas ornaments, a small squishy toy and other accessories.

However, the assortment quickly became a source of frustration for customers who expected more substantial products from the popular apparel brand. The $148 price tag became a central part of the criticism, with customers questioning whether the individual accessories justified the overall cost.

Some shoppers were particularly disappointed that the calendar did not include clothing or larger SKIMS products, despite the company’s reputation for selling shapewear, underwear, loungewear and other apparel.

Viral TikTok Unboxing Fuels the Backlash

The controversy gained significant attention after customers began posting unboxing videos on TikTok. One particularly popular video showed a customer opening the calendar’s 12 compartments and revealing the accessories one by one. The creator questioned the amount of money spent on the product, helping turn individual complaints into a much larger conversation about SKIMS.

Social media users quickly joined the discussion, with some describing the calendar as a collection of inexpensive accessories rather than a premium holiday gift. Others questioned why a brand known for its clothing products did not include actual apparel in the collection.

Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some consumers pointed out that SKIMS had marketed the calendar as an accessories collection, meaning shoppers could review the product description before purchasing.

SKIMS Advent Calendar Sells Out Despite Criticism

Despite the backlash, the limited-edition advent calendar sold out on the SKIMS website, with interested customers directed to a waitlist. The situation highlights the challenges major fashion and beauty brands face when selling premium-priced seasonal products. Advent calendars have become increasingly popular, with companies using limited-edition collections and daily surprises to generate excitement during the holiday season. For SKIMS, however, the response demonstrates that brand recognition alone does not guarantee customer satisfaction.

What Happens Next for SKIMS?

SKIMS says it will use customer feedback to help shape future product releases. The company’s decision to offer refunds and store credit provides customers with an opportunity to recover their purchase price or spend the money on other SKIMS products.

For Kim Kardashian’s fashion and shapewear business, the controversy is a reminder that consumers expect products to deliver on their advertised value, particularly when they carry premium prices.

With holiday shopping underway, the SKIMS advent calendar controversy could serve as a warning to other brands looking to capitalize on the popularity of expensive holiday collections.