Corporate Responsibility Programs

3 Ways for Retailers to Demonstrate Corporate Responsibility in 2024
January 23, 2024 at 8:45 am

During the holidays, many retailers focused on demonstrating corporate responsibility through generous corporate giving programs primarily centered around donations. While donations are a wonderful start, there are many additional ways to show consumers you care, and holistic corporate responsibility is crucial year-round. Brands can be good social stewards throughout the year by focusing on inclusive…

How At Home, Bandier, and Build-A-Bear Workshop Are Recruiting Diverse Talent
October 9, 2023 at 8:23 am

Studies have proven that more diverse teams and organizations perform better. Yet progress with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives remains stubbornly slow for far too many organizations. During a panel session at Total Retail Tech last month, three leaders from At Home, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Bandier discussed how their companies have been working to…

The Changing Faces of ESG and POS Finance
August 29, 2023 at 7:20 pm

As environmental social governance (ESG) grows higher on the agenda for many organizations, fulfilling a moral obligation to consumers is fast becoming a necessity for brand success. And with greenwashing accusations now commonplace, businesses’ ESG programs must go beyond simply ensuring ethical supply chains and using sustainable materials. To avoid irreversible damage to reputation and consumer…

H&M Commits to 'Inclusion and Diversity by Design' With Extended Size Assortment
June 5, 2023 at 10:00 am

In episode 404 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion and diversity for region Americas at H&M, a global fashion brand offering the latest styles and inspiration for all. During the wide-ranging interview, Dozier Gordon discusses her role at H&M (1:40), the retailer's expansion of its extended size assortment…

How Strategic Supplier Collaboration Can Reduce Textile Waste
May 31, 2023 at 12:59 pm

Consumers are posing an ultimatum to fashion and apparel brands: Start taking sustainability seriously or they’ll shop elsewhere. A new study of UK consumers found that 81 percent intend to boycott apparel brands that don’t prioritize sustainability within the next two years. These consumers are part of a clear global trend: Growing swaths of consumers…

L.L.Bean Goes Dark on Social During Mental Health Awareness Month
May 3, 2023 at 12:47 pm

For the second consecutive year, L.L.Bean is pausing its social media accounts for the entire month of May to raise awareness about mental health. The campaign is also encouraging people to go outside during the month. The outdoor outfitter brand is also sharing resources and tips to support people in getting outside for their own mental…

Retailing and Partnering With Nonprofits: How to Start a Fundraising Program and Make a Difference
March 21, 2023 at 11:42 am

In today's world, retail companies are faced with intense competition and are constantly seeking ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. One way to do this is by adopting nonprofit fundraising programs on behalf of their customers. A nonprofit fundraising program is a program where retailers partner with a nonprofit organization to support their cause,…

Jo-Ann Stores Inspires Positivity and Hope With its St. Jude Holiday Partnership
December 12, 2022 at 4:50 pm

In episode 380 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Amanda Hayes, director of corporate communications, diversity and inclusion at Jo-Ann Stores, an American specialty retailer of crafts and fabrics operating the retail chains JOANN Fabrics and Crafts and Jo-Ann Etc. Listen in as Hayes discusses Jo-Ann Stores' annual holiday partnership with St. Jude…

14 More Retailers Sign Charter to End Racial Bias
December 6, 2022 at 4:30 pm

As of Dec. 1, 42 retail brands have signed the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, a national initiative to address racial bias and discrimination in shopping experiences, the Open to All nationwide nonprofit announced. The new signatories include industry leaders Cartier, CBL Properties, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Glossier, LVMH, maurices, URBN (Anthropologie, Free People, Nuuly, and…

The Home Depot Launches Job Network to Empower Skilled Tradespeople
November 21, 2022 at 6:49 pm

In episode 376 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jenna Arca, director of workforce development at The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the United States. Arca discusses the launch of The Home Depot's Path to Pro job-seeker marketplace for skilled tradespeople and hiring trade professionals (0:47), the origin of the…