Corporate Responsibility Programs

Just a few years ago, 73 percent of U.S. consumers believed brands should put a stake in the ground to represent their values. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter played a key role in pushing brands to support social justice causes. Consumers would base entire shopping decisions on which brands aligned most with…

With political and economic pressures rising, and figures like President Trump advocating for the rollback of DEI programs, many retailers are reassessing their DEI strategies. Recently, Costco’s board of directors rejected a shareholder proposal that would require the company to produce a report on the risks of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. At…

As Black History Month unfolds, Black-owned and founded beauty brands are making profound strides in championing what inclusivity looks like in the beauty industry. PATTERN Beauty, Danessa Myricks Beauty, EADEM, and Fenty Beauty are all examples of industry disruptors that are guiding the way forward, setting new standards for representation and transparency. Their influence extends…

Target announced that it’s rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs — including some that aim to make its workforce and merchandise better reflect its customers. In a memo sent to its employees, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it will end its three-year DEI goals, stop reports to external diversity-focused groups like the Human Rights Campaign’s…

As the holiday season continues, brands have a unique opportunity to craft campaigns that resonate deeply and drive sales. However, this requires advertisers to prioritize inclusivity. Kantar reported that 75 percent of consumers say a brand’s inclusivity influences their purchase decisions. Inclusive advertising isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s a necessity. As brands look…

Walmart on Monday confirmed that it’s ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website, and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities, reports CNBC. The nation’s largest employer, which has about 1.6 million U.S. workers, joined a growing list of companies that have stepped back from diversity, equity…

In today's digital age, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and e-commerce brands face a daunting challenge: navigating the labyrinth of fragmented consumer journeys. With potential customers bouncing between social media, websites, apps and physical stores, traditional marketing approaches are struggling to keep pace. Enter purpose-driven marketing — the compass guiding brands through this chaos and revolutionizing…

Carhartt, America's iconic workwear brand, announced Monday it's dedicating its Fall 2024 "For the Love of Labor" grant to support Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation and its Metallica Scholars Initiative. Created by the members and management of Metallica, All Within My Hands is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting workforce education by connecting…

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), once a differentiator for brands, is now the norm. Today’s consumers expect those they do business with, including retailers, will have positive impacts on the world. In fact, Gen Z consumers are three times as likely to say that the “purpose of business is to serve communities and society” rather than…

In today’s retail landscape, success extends far beyond profit margins and market share. Increasingly, consumers are looking to align their purchasing decisions with their personal values, driving the need for retailers to incorporate social impact initiatives into their business strategies. When I audit companies, they often show me their CSR and sustainability report where I…