Corporate Responsibility Programs

Nike to Make Full Exit From Russia
June 23, 2022 at 9:57 pm

Nike is making a full exit from Russia three months after suspending its operations there, the U.S. sportswear maker told Reuters on Thursday, as the pace of Western companies leaving the country accelerates. Nike said on March 3 it would temporarily suspend operations at all its Nike-owned and -operated stores in Russia in response to…

The Role Retail Company Corporate Boards Need to Play in ESG Reporting
June 7, 2022 at 8:12 pm

Ever since the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed rules governing climate-related disclosures from all public companies on March 21, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting has become a necessary part for retail company corporate boards to address, especially in today’s environmentally and socially conscious world. Whether it’s understanding how the retailer is combatting…

Victoria's Secret Launches Inclusive-Focused Online Marketplace
May 26, 2022 at 5:16 pm

Victoria's Secret & Co. has announced that it's launching VS&Co-Lab, which is described as an inclusive shopping experience for all customers. VS&Co-Lab will be featured in a new section on the Victoria's Secret website, where it will showcase brands that align with its values of innovation and inclusivity. VSCO said it sees important growth potential through partnerships…

Why Retailers Must Navigate Muddy Waters of ESG Requirements
May 19, 2022 at 4:30 pm

The need for more corporate responsibility has evolved for today’s corporations and the next generation of business leaders in the form of environmental, social and governance (ESG). Investors, activists and regulators are now requiring proactive, community-structured commitment and accountability that's designed to step above shareholder returns. Today’s global capital markets aren’t interested in more marketing…

Nearly 30 Major US Retailers Pledge to Reduce Racial Bias
May 18, 2022 at 4:48 pm

Twenty-eight leading U.S. retail brands from 17 companies have signed on to a charter committing to take concrete steps to reduce racially biased experiences and unfair treatment of shoppers in the retail sector. Retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Athleta, Crocs, H&M, J.Crew, LOFT, Old Navy, Michael Kors, Sephora, Ben & Jerry's, and…

Crocs to Donate 10,000 Pairs of Shoes to Healthcare Workers
May 11, 2022 at 12:10 pm

Crocs, the casual footwear brand, is donating 10,000 pairs of its shoes to healthcare workers this week as part of National Nurses Week, the retailer recently announced. The company is also partnering with healthcare apparel brand FIGS to donate 10,000 scrubs. The donations will go to caregivers across the country. Qualified healthcare workers must sign up…

How Neiman Marcus Group is Championing Environmental and Social Initiatives
May 9, 2022 at 10:00 pm

In episode 348 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ali Mize, director of environmental and social governance (ESG), belonging and corporate philanthropy at Neiman Marcus Group, the portfolio of luxury brands including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow. Listen in as Mize discusses the release of Neiman Marcus Group's first-ever ESG report,…

Neiman Marcus Offering Extended Paid Parental and Family Leave Programs
May 9, 2022 at 7:32 pm

Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) on Friday announced its new paid family leave benefits for all associates, working full or part time, according to a company press release. NMG said that as of January, the retailer has offered 16 weeks of paid leave for anyone welcoming a child, including via adoption, surrogacy or foster care. This time is in…

L.L. Bean Pausing Social Media Posts, Encouraging People to Spend Time Outside
May 4, 2022 at 3:58 pm

L.L. Bean, the outdoor outfitter company, said this week it would not be posting on social media again until June 1, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The retailer said on Instagram that it was "taking a break from social media to focus on spending more time outside." It replaced all of…

How CarMax Has Built a Culture of Corporate Social Responsibility
April 26, 2022 at 6:39 pm

In episode 346 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Laura Donahue, vice president of corporate social responsibility  at CarMax, a used vehicle retailer. Donahue discusses the CarMax business and her role, the retailer's 2021 Giving Tuesday campaign that provided associates with funds to donate to a charity of their choice, and why giving back…