Open to All, Michael Kors and Seramount launch comprehensive edition of Employee Resource Group Guidebook

[New York, NY], MAY 6, 2024 — Today, Open to All announced the launch of a comprehensive Employee Resource Group Guidebook. This special edition of Seramount’s ERG Leadership Handbook was developed for the Open to All community in partnership with Seramount and Michael Kors. The wide-ranging guidebook is set to transform the way businesses, most notably retailers, build and empower Employee Resource Groups within their organizations.

Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, deepen employee engagement and belonging. However, ERG management can be challenging and often requires cross-departmental collaboration. The ERG Guidebook is intended to assist Open to All and Seramount partners in harnessing the full potential of ERGs, resulting in inclusive working environments where every employee can thrive.

“Within the Open to All community, especially retail members, ERGs are a frequent topic and the need for a resource that offers guidance and strategies was clear,” said Calla Devlin, Managing Director of Open to All. “Thanks to the generosity of Michael Kors, whose diversity, equity, and inclusion team brought in Seramount as an invaluable resource, we collaborated to create this toolkit. Open to All is deeply grateful to Michael Kors for their leadership and investment in this work.”  

Open to All commends Michael Kors for their leadership and investment. In recognition of their dedicated partnership, Michael Kors received the Open to All Collaboration Award at the Second Annual Open to All Convening. This award honors Michael Kors leadership in providing valuable resources for corporations to develop, manage, and grow ERGs.

“At Michael Kors, we prioritize continuous improvement, inclusivity, and cultivating a thriving workplace. Through ERGs, we’re able to empower our employees with support, mentorship, and a safe, judgment-free forum for employees to express themselves, share experiences, and promote peer allyship,” said Semone Bamboat, VP, Global Head Diversity & Inclusion and Talent Acquisition of Capri Holdings Limited, the parent company of Michael Kors. “We’re grateful for our partnerships with organizations like Open to All and Seramount as we collectively work to create a vital resource in the interest of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

By creating spaces for employees of various backgrounds, cultures, genders, abilities, and orientations to connect, ERGs promote a sense of belonging, offer leadership development opportunities, enhance talent acquisition efforts, and amplify underrepresented voices, which, in turn, boosts overall morale and productivity. Offering Employee Resource Groups isn’t just a matter of corporate social responsibility—it’s a strategic imperative that aligns with business goals.

“Seramount has been a supporter of Open to All from the beginning and we are proud to champion this important work, along with our partner, Michael Kors,” said Katie Oertli Mooney, Managing Director of Seramount. “Because of the unique nuances of ERGs that function in a dispersed retail workforce, those located in the corporate office, the stores, and the distribution centers, it only made sense for our advisors, who specialize in activating ERGs, add their expertise and Seramount’s extensive research, tools, and resources, to this toolkit.”

The ERG Guidebook leverages the latest industry insights to offer data-backed strategies and practical solutions. Within the guidebook, interactive worksheets provide step-by-step instructions detailing the processes of initiating and sustaining ERGs. The guidebook offers access to expert guidance from leading diversity and inclusion specialists, and case studies informed by the experiences of Open to All corporate partners.

The complete ERG Guidebook is exclusively available to Open to All and Seramount members. Interested individuals can click here to access a brief, open-sourced overview of the guidebook. This summary serves as a window into the guidebook’s wealth of resources.Top of Form If you’d like to learn more about becoming a corporate partner of Open to All, please visit https://www.opentoall.com/corporate-membership/. Those who’d like to join Seramount can visit https://seramount.com/contact-us/.

In a world where diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are increasingly critical for business success and societal progress, the ERG Guidebook represents a key milestone in empowering organizations to drive positive change in the lives of their staff members. For more information about the Open to All coalition or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Sarita Chourey, Open to All | sarita@opentoall.com | (303) 578-4600 X 130


ABOUT OPEN TO ALL: Open to All is a nondiscrimination program based around the idea that everyone should be welcomed, valued, and respected. Open to All is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, including civil rights and racial justice organizations, disability groups, LGBTQ groups, faith organizations, and more. Open to All also unites thousands of large and small businesses across the country to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

Open to All

ABOUT MICHAEL KORS: Michael Kors is a world-renowned, award-winning designer of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear. Established in 1981, the company currently produces a range of products under the signature Michael Kors Collection, MICHAEL Michael Kors and Michael Kors Mens labels. These products include accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, wearable technology, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products. The company prides itself on hiring and retaining diverse talent and providing an inclusive work culture for all, while celebrating global events and cultures that reflect the diversity, experiences, and perspectives of people around the world.

ABOUT SERAMOUNT: Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we’ve established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world’s most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing. These offerings empower organizations to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes.

Seramount - Part of EAB

Open to All unveils fifth annual Holiday Gift Guide connecting customers with inclusive businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Kassidy Braziel, Open to All | kassidy@opentoall.com | 954-296-5280


[BOULDER, CO] NOVEMBER 15, 2023 — Today, Open to All® released its Fifth Annual Holiday Gift Guide. For the past five years, Open to All’s Holiday Gift Guide has uplifted small businesses and iconic brands alike that understand the importance of crafting a culture of belonging this holiday season and year-round.

With items available in a wide price range from an array of inclusive retailers, the Holiday Gift Guide connects consumers with brands that value Open to All’s core principle of ensuring every customer feels safe and welcome—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or disability.

“This work is more important than ever. This summer, the United States Supreme Court issued
two harmful decisions: the affirmative action decision and 303 Creative v. Elenis, a case where a
business sought a license to discriminate, threatening nondiscrimination protections,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, managing director of Open to All. “Every business, from small businesses on Main Street to large retail stores anchoring malls across America, should take these decisions as an urgent call to action, declaring their doors open for business—and closed to the misguided notion that free speech can or should nullify civil rights in America.”

The Open to All Holiday Gift Guide features companies that invest in customers and their communities. These brands include Bath & Body Works, Coach, Levi Strauss & Company, Michaels, Petco, Sephora, and many more. Over the past five years, we’ve brought together over 200 nonprofit organizations, 80 corporate partners, and nearly 700,000 businesses dedicated to sounding a loud and clear message: We will not return to a time when customers are told, “We don’t serve your kind here.”

This holiday season, Open to All is asking consumers to support the businesses that are working in partnership with us to create an authentic culture of belonging. The products in our gift guide include Hanukkah gifts, stocking stuffers, and office gifts. Consumers will also shop with the confidence that all these products come from small businesses and companies that are invested in their employees, customers, and communities.

Businesses around the country have already taken the pledge to maintain welcoming and safe environments for all employees, visitors, customers, vendors, and clients. You can find Open to All decals and placards in storefronts in cities and towns across the country. If you are looking to support Open to All businesses in your city, visit opentoall.com to search for businesses near you. From local restaurants to small businesses to mall stores, we have a wide range of inclusive businesses ready to welcome you. Businesses that wish to join Open to All can learn more and sign the pledge at http://www.opentoall.com/business-members/#business-pledge.

You can view the Open to All Holiday Gift Guide.

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ABOUT OPEN TO ALL: Open to All is a nondiscrimination program based around the idea that everyone should be welcomed, valued, and respected. Open to All is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, including civil rights and racial justice organizations, disability groups, LGBTQ groups, faith organizations, and more. Open to All also unites thousands of large and small businesses across the country to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

Open to All’s Impact Report Highlights the Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Kassidy Braziel, Open to All | kassidy@opentoall.com | 954-296-5280 


[BOULDER, CO] OCTOBER 26, 2023 — Open to All, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a thriving and inclusive nation, today announced the release of its inaugural Impact Report. Since the program’s start in 2017, Open to All has united over 70 corporate sponsors, 200 nonprofit partners, and 690,000 small businesses to send the message that everyone is welcome, valued, and respected.

The report assesses the program’s impact over the past five years, highlighting its growth, interactive programming, resources, and initiatives, such as the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter.

 “We know that building a stronger country means everyone should feel safe, respected, and accepted as they live, shop, and work. Yet far too often, we hear stories of discrimination,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, Managing Director of Open to All. “At the core of changing our country, Open to All is a national nondiscrimination campaign based around the idea that everyone should be welcome and feel a sense of belonging. Our network of formidable nonprofit leaders and corporate partners develops innovative resources, trainings, and ongoing programming to best serve the populations in our pledge and support businesses large and small to be truly Open to All.” Open to All’s Impact Report is the result of extensive research, analysis, and interviews with key partners, offering a holistic overview of the key trends and challenges within the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open to All issued a survey to gauge the motivations of participating businesses, the nonprofit’s most popular offerings, and key areas for organizational growth.

Since the launch of Open to All, corporations, retailers, small businesses, and nonprofits alike have come together to proudly affirm that everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or disability.

According to survey respondents, 52% of partners joined Open to All to share and learn best practices from other businesses, researchers, and Open to All resources. 17% of respondents indicated that they joined to drive change in experiences for both employees and customers. 24% wanted to make a collective impact at the industry level more broadly.

The program has seen rapid growth in small business engagement and corporate sponsorship over the past five years. Over 694,000 small businesses have declared themselves Open to All on Yelp. With about five million small businesses on Yelp nationwide, nearly 14% have indicated they are Open to All. Over the last five years, more than 70 large brands, ranging from Ben & Jerry’s to REI to Sephora, have joined Open to All’s corporate membership program.

The Impact Report is a testament to Open to All and their partners’ commitment to building a stronger country where everyone feels safe, respected, and accepted as they live, shop, and work. The full report can be downloaded from Open to All’s website at [web address]. For more information about the Open to All coalition or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

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Open to All logo

ABOUT OPEN TO ALL: Open to All is a nondiscrimination program based around the idea that everyone should be welcomed, valued, and respected. Open to All is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, including civil rights and racial justice organizations, disability groups, LGBTQ groups, faith organizations, and more. Open to All also unites thousands of large and small businesses across the country to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

Three Additional Companies Declare Themselves Open to All in Commitment to Welcoming Everyone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Kassidy Braziel, Open to All | kassidy@opentoall.com | 954-296-5280


[BOULDER, CO] JUNE 8, 2023 — An additional three major retailers have joined Open to All® and signed the pledge in commitment to maintain retail environments where everyone is welcome—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or ability.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret PINK) is the latest addition to Open to All’s Leadership Circle. Open to All also welcomed Brilliant Earth and Pandora as corporate partners. Corporate partners of Open to All have access to the organization’s unique diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming, featuring monthly corporate briefings, access to a community of like-minded peers, and collaboration opportunities like the Inclusive Retail Campaign and the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brilliant Earth, Pandora, and Victoria’s Secret & Co. to Open to All,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, managing director of Open to All. “Each company has demonstrated a commitment to deepening their diversity, equity, and inclusion work. We look forward to their contributions to our Inclusive Retail initiative, our Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter collaboration, and working together to have industry-wide impact as we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone is welcomed and respected.”

This Pride season, Open to All is continuing their year-round work to protect and advance the lives of LGBTQ employees and customers. This support is especially important in light of recent legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community, including those limiting access to gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. With over 600 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this year alone, these cruel, coordinated attacks brazenly disregard one’s right to live, work, and shop freely and safely.

“At VS&CO, we’re committed to empowering our communities, advancing equity, upholding human rights, and promoting social justice. We are especially focused on mitigating bias in retail for women, POC and LGBTQIA+ communities because we are confident that is where we can have the most direct and meaningful impact with our global footprint. We’re excited to partner with Open to All to help guide our actions and, along with other Open to All partners, make retail spaces more welcoming for everyone.” said Lydia Smith, chief diversity officer at Victoria’s Secret & Co.

Once again, Open to All is partnering with Yelp to make it easier to find safe and welcoming businesses to celebrate LGBTQ equality, which is more important than ever, given that hate violence is at an all-time high. Yelp helps users identify not only LGBTQ-owned businesses, but also the hundreds of thousands of Open to All businesses that will celebrate equality not only during Pride, but year-round.

EDUCATING PARTNERS ABOUT ONGOING ATTACKS TARGETING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

The current situation is extremely difficult for LGBTQ individuals, activists, and supporters due to the startling number of fronts from which LGBTQ people are being targeted. To better inform their corporate partners on recent anti-trans bills and actions companies can take to safeguard their employees’ rights, Open to All recently partnered with the Movement Advancement Project to host a rapid response briefing on the subject.

Logan Casey, senior policy researcher and advisor for the Movement Advancement Project, joined the conversation to share a summary of current laws influencing access to gender-affirming treatment. The Movement Advancement Project’s Tessa Juste co-hosted the meeting alongside Casey to address currently pending litigation against such legislation and the legal ramifications of businesses becoming involved in support of the LGBTQ community. This briefing focused on informing Open to All corporate partners on how to best support transgender and non-binary staff members and their transgender and non-binary family members during these unprecedented times.

Later in June, the Movement Advancement Project will collaborate with Open to All once more to host another briefing. The content will be uplifting and celebratory as corporate partners gather to participate in the organization’s annual Queer Trivia briefing. While current times are challenging, this briefing presents an opportunity for partners to celebrate the many positive ways the LGBTQ community has influenced our society throughout history.

“Pandora gives a voice to people’s loves, and regardless of how a person displays their love, we are there to help everyone capture life’s important and special moments with our jewelry. Pandora further promises to stand for diversity, equity, and inclusion in a way for everyone to feel comfortable being their authentic selves every day. We foster open dialogue, celebrate our unique characteristics, and embrace our many cultures and traditions. Every person is welcome within our stores and offices. Through our DE&I Council, we will continually evaluate our approach and techniques to enhance our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity, where we teach, learn, and grow together,” said Luciano Rodembusch, president, Pandora North America.

SAFEGUARDING GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR EMPLOYEES & THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

In response to recently imposed medical care bans, some Open to All corporate partners have already enacted policies and benefits to ensure their employees and employees’ family members have access to the care they need. Companies are offering employees travel benefits, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, if they cannot receive gender-affirming care in their states. These stipends cover transportation and lodging expenses employees may incur while seeking gender-affirming care outside of states where laws restrict or ban access to such services. Many of these benefits also apply to any family members covered by employer-sponsored insurance, such as employees’ spouses or dependents.

Since the majority of Open to All corporate partners have numerous locations across the country, retailers are also offering associates the opportunity to transfer to a store in a different state, with many companies offering relocation stipends to do so. In more ways than one, Open to All corporate partners are stepping up to serve as industry leaders in response to governmental attacks on LGBTQ rights.

“Our mission at Brilliant Earth is rooted in our work to bring transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability to the jewelry industry and to our company,” said Beth Gerstein, co-founder, CEO of Brilliant Earth. “We are proud to partner with Open to All as we continue our commitment to creating an equitable space that values the uniqueness of our employees and our customers, while driving real change that may inspire others to do the same.”

Open to All unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to take a stand for shared American values of fairness and equality. Never before have so many businesses and nonprofits joined together in a single, unified campaign that sends a message that everyone is welcome, valued, and respected. Because when a business is open to the public, it should be open to all. Businesses can sign the pledge at https://www.opentoall.com/business-members/#business-pledge. For more information about the Open to All coalition or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

The full list of companies that have pledged to be Open to All are Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters (American Eagle, Aerie, Todd Snyder, Unsubscribed), Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Ben & Jerry’s, Brilliant Earth, Burlington Stores, Cacique, Capri Holdings Limited (Versace, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors), CarMax, CBL Properties, Cartier, Club Monaco, Crocs, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Fossil Group (Fossil, Michele, Skagen, Watch Station, Zodiac), fresh, Gap Inc. (Athleta, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy), Glossier, H&M, J.Crew Group (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Madewell), Lacoste, Lane Bryant, Loft, LVMH, maurices, Misfit, Movado Group, Pandora, Petco, Ralph Lauren Corporation, REI Co-op, Rimowa, rue21, Tapestry (Coach, kate spade new york, Stuart Weitzman), The Body Shop, Tiffany & Co., Under Armour, URBN (Anthropologie, Free People, Nuuly, Urban Outfitters), UGG®, Victoria’s Secret & Co. (Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret PINK), VF Corporation (The North Face®, Vans®, Timberland®, Dickies®, Smartwool ®), Yelp, Zara, and Zola.

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ABOUT OPEN TO ALL: Open to All is a nondiscrimination program based around the idea that everyone should be welcomed, valued, and respected. Open to All is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, including civil rights and racial justice organizations, disability groups, LGBTQ groups, faith organizations, and more. Open to All also unites thousands of large and small businesses across the country to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

Victoria's Secret & Co.

ABOUT VICTORIA’S SECRET & CO: Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO) is a Fortune 500 specialty retailer of modern, fashion-inspired collections including signature bras, panties, intimates, casual sleepwear, athleisure, and swim, as well as award-winning prestige fragrances and body care. VS&Co is comprised of market leading brands, Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret PINK, that share a common purpose of inspiring and uplifting customers in every stage of their lives, and Adore Me, a technology led, digital first innovative intimates brand serving women of all sizes and budgets at all phases of life. We are committed to empowering our more than 30,000 associates across a global footprint of approximately 1,350 retail stores in approximately 70 countries. We provide our customers with products and experiences that make them feel good inside and out while driving positive change through the power of our products, platform, and advocacy. 

Brilliant Earth

ABOUT BRILLIANT EARTH: Brilliant Earth is a digitally native, omnichannel fine jewelry company and a global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry. Led by our co-founders Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, the Company’s mission since its founding in 2005 has been to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO, Brilliant Earth now has 31 showrooms and services customers in over 50 countries worldwide. 

Pandora

ABOUT PANDORA: Pandora is the world’s largest jewelry brand. The company designs, manufactures, and markets hand-finished jewelry made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. Pandora jewelry is sold in more than 100 countries through more than 6,500 points of sale, including more than 2,500 concept stores. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora employs 32,000 people worldwide and crafts its jewelry at two LEED-certified facilities in Thailand. Pandora is committed to leadership in sustainability and will purchase only recycled silver and gold for crafting its jewelry by 2025 and halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030. Pandora is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange and generated sales of DKK 26.5 billion (EUR 3.6 billion) in 2022.

Seven Leading Retailers Join Open To All, The Movement Galvanizing Businesses To Advance Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion

Programming Includes the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, Monthly Educational Sessions, and Collaboration with 200+ Nonprofit Organizations


[BOULDER, CO] APRIL 13, 2023 — National nonprofit Open to All® announced today that an additional seven major retail brands have signed the Open to All pledge committing to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for people—including team members, visitors, customers, vendors, and clients—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or disability.

Open to All welcomes Petco, REI Co-op, and UGG® to their Leadership Circle. Bath & Body Works, Burlington Stores, VF Corporation (The North Face®, Vans®, Timberland®, Dickies®, Smartwool ®), and Zola also signed the Open to All Business Pledge as corporate sponsors.

“In the five years since Open to All’s inception, we have had over 600,000 businesses sign the pledge,” said Calla Rongerude, Managing Director for Open to All. Our corporate partners work beyond the walls of their stores to bring the business community together to join Open to All in building a thriving, inclusive, competitive America where customers and employees are valued, respected and welcomed regardless of who they are. This exemplifies the spirit of Open to All and creates true transformation—especially for everyone out there who is struggling and wants to know where they will be safe, welcomed and accepted.”

Open to All’s corporate partners have access to Open to All’s unique diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming, which includes monthly corporate briefings, collaboration opportunities such as Inclusive Retail and the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, and access to a peer-to-peer network. One of Open to All’s most popular offerings is their monthly briefing series. Some recently covered topics include how to best support Muslim employees and customers during Ramadan presented by Muslim Advocates; combating anti-AAPI hate with Asian Americans Advancing Justice; access and accommodation—disability inclusion in the workplace presented by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN; how employers can support and protect employees and customers from gender-based violence and harassment with Futures Without Violence; and States of LGBTQ Equality: How Companies Can Support Employees Across the Country.

“On behalf of everyone at Petco, we’re delighted to be joining Open to All as both a leader and a champion of inclusion and equality across all of retail,” said Liz Consuegra, Senior Vice President of People and Head of DEI at Petco. “As a purpose-driven company, this partnership is a natural extension of our promise of taking the very best care of our people, building partnerships with businesses and organizations that support each other’s DEI journeys, and fostering communities of belonging and inclusion for our people and our customers.”

“At REI, we have long believed that the co-op and the outdoors are for all. To make this a reality, we must ensure that our employees, members, and customers feel welcome and affirmed whether they’re in our stores, on the trails, or online,” said Wilma Wallace, REI Chief Diversity & Social Impact Officer. “We look forward to partnering with Open to All and peers across the industry as we continue to put this belief into action.”

“UGG® exists to make self-expression comfortable to all, and that is why we are proud to sign onto the Open to All pledge and stand alongside our peers who have also signaled an ongoing commitment to radical inclusion in the retail industry,”Nicks Ericsson, Sr. Director of Brand Purpose at UGG®, said in a statement. “We are excited to work with the Open to All team and their nonprofit partners to continue creating valuable resources that ensure retail experiences, both online and offline, are truly welcoming to all consumers.”

PROTECTING FRONTLINE WORKERS

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Open to All announced a groundbreaking initiative, Inclusive Retail, a campaign that puts tools and resources in the hands of businesses and customers to ensure the inclusion, safety, and acceptance of those on the frontlines of retail: floor staff and sales associates. Frontline workers can face the brunt of customer frustration, which can often manifest in racist or discriminatory ways. The Inclusive Retail campaign reaffirms that everyone —including employees, visitors, vendors, and clients—has a hand in the creation of environments that are safe and inclusive to all.

Inclusive Retail offers two resources to practice effective allyship and create safe shopping experiences for everyone in retail environments: the Customer Action Center and the Inclusive Retail Toolkit. In March 2023, Open to All debuted an updated Inclusive Retail Toolkit that includes resources on addressing gender-based harassment and violence in the workplace developed by Futures Without Violence. These free tools contain videos, articles, and supplemental materials that continue to build on Open to All’s library of resources available to those who believe in the culture of inclusion and belonging necessary to being Open to All.

“As an off-price retailer, Burlington is committed to offering great merchandise values every day and we are dedicated to adding value through the power of inclusivity for our customers and associates. We’re honored to participate in the Open to All Business Pledge, as it shares our commitment of creating welcoming and safe spaces for everyone,” stated Mecca Mitchell, SVP, Leadership & Organizational Development, DEI, and Community Impact. 

GALVANIZING THE RETAIL SECTOR TO MITIGATE RACIAL BIAS

In May 2022, Open to All debuted the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter inspired by the findings of Sephora’s Racial Bias in Retail Study, a groundbreaking national study that explored the ways in which BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) shoppers experience discrimination in retail settings.

To date, over 45 retail brands have signed the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, a commitment to take concrete steps to ensure a more welcoming environment for all shoppers by reducing racially biased experiences and unfair treatment. Signatories of the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter gain access to a two-hour Reducing Racism in Retail training, monthly meetings and a collaborative network of DEI-focused professionals.

Last October, Open to All surveyed Charter members and supporters to identify priorities for the coming year. Using those results as a guide, Open to All hosted panel discussions covering hiring and retention/advancement diversity policies, reevaluating return policies, and diversifying marketing and product assortment, among other topics. Open to All aims to draw upon their corporate community by inviting companies to take turns facilitating discussions about how they are addressing racial bias, preferably in a cross-departmental fashion.

“We’re proud to join Open to All because at Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs,” says Kelie Charles, Bath & Body Works Chief Diversity Officer. “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Make Us Stronger is one of our core values and we’re committed to creating a culture where we live our values and maintain an environment of respect, civility, empowerment and equity. It’s not just the right thing to do for our people; it’s the right thing to do for our business.”

“Joining the Open to All Business Pledge as Corporate Sponsors is more than just a statement of our values, it’s a call to action for business. VF Corporation is committed to ensuring our physical and online spaces are safe and welcoming to everyone,” said Leah Vescovi, Senior Manager, Society and Movements, Global Inclusion, Diversity Equity & Action (Idea) at VF Corporation. “Open to All creates a network of likeminded peers who are dedicated to creating inclusive retail experiences and pushing each other to create best in class service for folks of all backgrounds and we’re excited to be a part of that.”

Open to All unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to take a stand for shared American values of fairness and equality. Never before have so many businesses and nonprofits joined together in a single, unified campaign that sends a message that everyone is welcome, valued, and respected. Because when a business is open to the public, it should be open to all. Businesses can sign the pledge at https://www.opentoall.com/business-members/#business-pledge. For more information about the Open to All coalition or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

The full list of companies that have pledged to be Open to All are Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters (American Eagle, Aerie, Todd Snyder, Unsubscribed), Ann Taylor, Bath & Body Works, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Ben & Jerry’s, Burlington Stores, Cacique, Capri Holdings Limited (Versace, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors), CarMax, CBL Properties, Cartier, Club Monaco, Crocs, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Fossil Group (Fossil, Michele, Skagen, Watch Station, Zodiac), fresh, Gap Inc. (Athleta, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy), Glossier, H&M, J.Crew Group (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Madewell), Lacoste, Lane Bryant, Loft, LVMH, maurices, Misfit, Movado Group, Petco, Ralph Lauren Corporation, REI Co-op, Rimowa, rue21, Tapestry (Coach, kate spade new york, Stuart Weitzman), The Body Shop, Tiffany & Co., Under Armour, URBN (Anthropologie, Free People, Nuuly, Urban Outfitters), UGG®, VF Corporation (The North Face®, Vans®, Timberland®, Dickies®, Smartwool ®), Yelp, Zara, and Zola.

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ABOUT OPEN TO ALL: Open to All is a nondiscrimination program based around the idea that everyone should be welcomed, valued, and respected. Open to All is a growing coalition of more than 200 non-profits, including civil rights and racial justice organizations, disability groups, LGBTQ groups, faith organizations, and more. Open to All also unites thousands of large and small businesses across the country to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

ABOUT PETCO, THE HEALTH + WELLNESS CO.: Founded in 1965, Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our own Petco partners. We’ve consistently set new standards in pet care while delivering comprehensive pet wellness products, services and solutions, and creating communities that deepen the pet-pet parent bond. We operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer merchandise, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing network of on-site veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary clinics. Our complete pet health and wellness ecosystem is accessible through our pet care centers and digitally at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem with Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation), an independent nonprofit organization, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, we’ve helped find homes for nearly 7 million animals. 

ABOUT THE REI CO-OP: REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.comREI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

ABOUT UGG®: Founded in 1978 by an Australian surfer on the coast of California, UGG® is a global lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic Classic Boot. First worn by Hollywood royalty, fashion editors, and then the world, UGG® designs and retails footwear, apparel, accessories, and homewares with an uncompromising attitude toward quality and craftsmanship. UGG® is an environmentally and socially conscious brand which strives to be socially just, economically inclusive, and environmentally restorative. Delivering more than $1.5 billion in annual sales, UGG® partners with the best retailers globally and owns concept and outlet stores worldwide in key markets, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing. For more information, please visit http://www.ugg.com @ugg #FeelsLikeUGG

ABOUT BATH & BODY WORKS: Home of America’s Favorite Fragrances®, Bath & Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, including the top-selling collections for fine fragrance mist, body lotion and body cream, 3-wick candles, home fragrance diffusers and liquid hand soap. Powered by agility and innovation, the company’s predominantly U.S.-based supply chain enables the company to deliver quality, on-trend luxuries at affordable prices. Bath & Body Works serves and delights customers however and wherever they want to shop, from welcoming, in-store experiences at more than 1,800 company-operated Bath & Body Works locations in the U.S. and Canada and more than 425 international franchised locations to an online storefront at BathandBodyWorks.com.

ABOUT BURLINGTON STORES, INC.: Burlington Stores, Inc., headquartered in New Jersey, is a nationally recognized off-price retailer with Fiscal 2022 net sales of $8.7 billion. The Company is a Fortune 500 company and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BURL.” The Company operated 927 stores as of the end of Fiscal 2022, in 46 states and Puerto Rico, principally under the name Burlington Stores. The Company’s stores offer an extensive selection of in-season, fashion-focused merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers’ prices, including women’s ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, baby, beauty, footwear, accessories, home, toys, gifts and coats. For more information about the Company, visit www.burlington.com.

ABOUT VF CORPORATION: Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest active-lifestyle companies which connects people to the activities and experiences they cherish most through a portfolio of outdoor, active, workwear and streetwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use our company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

ABOUT ZOLA: Zola is where today’s couples are planning their weddings. The most trusted authority in the industry, over 2 million couples have chosen Zola as their partner for their entire wedding planning journey. With the most innovative tools, insightful team of experts, and the largest community of engaged couples, Zola supports couples in bringing their unique, authentic wedding visions to life. To learn more, visit Zola at www.zola.com and follow @zola on all social platforms.

42 Leading Retailer Brands Join National Effort to Stop Retail Racism 

Cartier, CBL Properties, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Glossier, LVMH, Maurices, URBN, The Body Shop, and Yelp are the latest companies to sign the national charter aimed at reducing racially-biased and unfair treatment in retail.


Media Contact: Kassidy Braziel, Open to All | kassidy@opentoall.com | 954-296-5280


December 1, 2022 — National nonprofit Open to All today announced that an additional 42 retail brands and two other major retail industry supporters have signed the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, a commitment to take concrete steps to ensure a more welcoming environment for all shoppers by reducing racially biased experiences and unfair treatment. New signatories include Cartier, CBL Properties, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Glossier, LVMH, Maurices, URBN (Anthropologie, Free People, Nuuly, and Urban Outfitters), The Body Shop, and Yelp. 

Since the Charter launched with 28 retailers in May, Open to All has continued to hear from retailers who acknowledge the pervasiveness of discriminatory treatment and want to take action to address the problem and create spaces that are truly open to all. 

“LVMH is proud to sign the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter alongside many of our Maisons, including the co-initiator Sephora, to drive lasting change in the retail industry,” said Anish Melwani, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, LVMH North America. “LVMH creates products that maintain a standard of excellence by bringing together diverse talent, skills, and experiences to serve all of our customers. Signing the charter is an actionable step in our ongoing commitment to eradicating racism from the retail experience and ensuring that all of our customers feel valued and respected in our stores.”

The Charter, co-initiated by Open to All and Sephora, was inspired by the Racial Bias in Retail Study, a groundbreaking national study commissioned by Sephora that explored the ways in which BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) shoppers experience discrimination in retail settings. The report found that two in five U.S. retailer shoppers have personally experienced unfair treatment based on their race or skin tone, and that BIPOC retail shoppers were three times more likely than white shoppers to feel most often judged by their appearance.

“At Sephora, we’re proud to have co-initiated the Charter with Open to All and applaud these new U.S. retailer signatories in joining all of us in championing industry impact. This cross-collaboration is key in working to address and prevent systemic racism in U.S. retail environments and the culture at-large,” said George-Axelle Broussillon Matschinga, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Sephora. “We lead with a values-first mindset at Sephora – it’s a guiding principle in all we do as an organization, and having a coalition of like-minded businesses able to share and exchange ideas and best practices is especially encouraging to drive meaningful change for shoppers everywhere.”

“The Charter collaboration is rooted in impact and action, and specifically calls on companies to prevent exclusionary treatment before shoppers enter a store and during their in-store experience,” said Calla Rongerude, director of Open to All. “Open to All is grateful to our corporate and nonprofit partners, who are demonstrating a commitment to training their workforce, diversifying marketing and product assortment, and taking other tangible steps that create a culture of belonging for BIPOC shoppers and employees.”

Since June, Open to All has been holding monthly meetings with members and supporters to discuss how to track the impact of the Charter’s DEI initiatives. Work is also ongoing with loss prevention departments to address how to curtail harassment, racial profiling, and bias in loss-prevention practices. The monthly curriculum features experts and guest speakers including leaders from Diversity Best Practices, Sephora, and Mentor Spaces to provide ongoing learning for all companies that sign the Charter.

“We are proud to join with a number of our retail partners and sign on to this important Charter,” said Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL properties, a company that owns malls and shopping centers across the nation. “We are looking forward to working with Open to All and the rest of the Charter companies to find solutions and drive change that will reduce racial bias and promote fair treatment to all of the visitors to our properties.”  

On October 17 and 18, Charter members gathered in San Francisco to share best practices and set goals for 2023. In advance of the meeting, members completed a survey to assess their work in the Charter’s key areas of focus:

  • Increasing diversity across marketing, products, branding, and the workforce to help prevent exclusionary treatment before shoppers enter a store.
  • Providing critical employee training on the experience of shoppers of color to help address the disconnect between how BIPOC shoppers and store employees interpret interactions.
  • Creating a feedback mechanism to improve service and report back on any meaningful actions and progress toward fostering more inclusive experiences for BIPOC shoppers. 

Our survey found that 44% of respondents signed the Charter to generate a collective impact at the industry level. Others cited changing in-store shopping experiences (28%) as well as learning and sharing best practices (22%) as their primary motivations for joining the collaboration. Upon signing the Charter, companies have cultivated buy-in by partnering with other teams (83%), involving chief executive officers or additional executive-level managers (39%), establishing internal working groups (39%), and working externally with BIPOC clients (11%).

In terms of training, 59% of those surveyed reported using or planning to use Open to All’s Reduce Racial Bias in Retail training. Released in June 2022, the two-hour Reduce Racial Bias in Retail (R3) training combines live instruction and self-directed learning to educate staff on what racial bias looks, sounds, and feels like in retail settings. Built for signatories and supporters of Open to All’s Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter, the R3 training equips employees with practical strategies to decrease racial bias incidents and foster inclusive shopping experiences.

In 2023, Open to All will begin reporting on the impact of the Charter to coincide with future annual convenings.

“We are proud to partner with Open to All in our ongoing journey to ensure everyone feels welcome in our stores,” says Frank Conforti, Co-President & COO of URBN. “We look forward to partnering with Open to All and our peers in the retail industry to continuously improve the customer and employee experience.”

The full list of U.S. retailers and retail companies that have joined the Charter are American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (American Eagle, Aerie), Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Bridge Jeweler, The Body Shop, Capri Holdings (Versace, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors), Cartier, CBL Properties, Crocs, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Fresh, GAP, Inc., Glossier, H&M, J. Crew Group, Levi Strauss & Co., LVMH, Maurices, Michaels, Movado Group, Rimowa, Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman), rue 21, SEPHORA, URBN (Anthropologie, Free People, Nuuly, Urban Outfitters), and Zara.

Non-retail companies, institutions, NGOs, and nonprofits can also support the Charter by becoming a supporter of the Charter and taking the Open to All pledge. Those supporters, to date, include American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Bend the Arc, Benefit Cosmetics, CenterLink, Disability:IN, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), KENDO Brands, Mentor Spaces, Moët Hennessy USA, Muslim Advocates, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), National CARES Mentoring Movement, Right to Be, The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing, Travel Unity, Wundher, and Yelp.

28 Major U.S. Retailer Brands Form Charter to Improve Retail Environment by Mitigating Racially Biased Experiences

Open to All - Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter

SEPHORA, Gap Inc., CarMax, Ben & Jerry’s amongst industry leaders taking first-of-its-kind national pledge to implement strategies aimed at addressing racially-biased and unfair treatment in retail

May 18, 2022: National nonprofit Open to All today announced that 28 leading U.S. retailer brands signed the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter committing to take concrete steps to ensure a more welcoming environment for all by reducing racially biased experiences and unfair treatment for shoppers in the retail sector.

The Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter was inspired by the Racial Bias in Retail Study, a groundbreaking national study commissioned by Sephora that explored the ways in which BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) shoppers experience discrimination in retail settings. The report found that two in five U.S. retailer shoppers have personally experienced unfair treatment on the basis of their race or skin tone, and that BIPOC retail shoppers were three times more likely than white shoppers to feel most often judged by their appearance.

Initiated by Open to All and Sephora in 2022, the Mitigate Racial Bias in Retail Charter is a multi-stakeholder collaboration aiming to implement tactics and actions to reduce racially biased interactions from the shopper experience and create an environment that is truly welcoming to all. Open to All and Sephora partnered on this work, with Open to All convening its Inclusive Retail members to apply the study’s findings with the goal of collaboration and collective impact across the retail sector. Starting with the Charter, this growing collaboration also includes the development of resources and education, including training materials and an annual in-person convening.

“The study underscored the pervasiveness of unfair treatment of BIPOC shoppers in retail spaces throughout this country,” said Calla Rongerude, director of Open to All. “We believe the retail industry should have a zero-tolerance discrimination policy. With the commitments from these companies, we can begin to address the problem, act, and start to make shopping more inclusive. Our goal is to create an environment that is truly open to all. We hope companies across the retail sector will join us, sign the Charter, and work together to create meaningful impact and share best practices.”

“At Sephora, diversity, equity, and inclusion have long been core to our mission since our U.S. debut more than 20 years ago – but we recognized that the retail experience has not always been welcoming,” said Jean-André Rougeot, President and CEO, Sephora Americas. “When we first commissioned the Racial Bias in Retail Study in 2019, it was our intent that the findings would serve as useful insights for the entire retail sector, including Sephora. Today, we are proud to have this work resonate in such a deeply impactful way via the Charter, and with the commitment of so many retail signatories, we can collectively work to change the retail experience on a much faster and broader scale.  We celebrate those that have joined and encourage others to sign on, as it’s not about perfection, it’s about a commitment to progress for shoppers today and tomorrow.”

By signing the Charter, the retailers acknowledge that racially biased and unfair treatment exists broadly in our society and as such, can impact the retail experience. They have all pledged to design and implement actions that mitigate racial bias from the shopper experience, help foster inclusive shopping experiences for all, and work together to share best practices across the retail industry to drive change.

The ways retailers can support the Charter include:

  • Increasing diversity across marketing, products, branding, and the workforce to help prevent exclusionary treatment before shoppers enter a store.
  • Providing critical employee training on the experience of shoppers of color to help address the disconnect between how BIPOC shoppers and store employees interpret interactions.
  • Creating a feedback mechanism to improve service, and report back on any meaningful actions and progress toward fostering more inclusive experiences for BIPOC shoppers.

This Charter was informed by key findings from Sephora’s Racial Bias in Retail Study, which shed light on what racial bias looks, sounds, and feels like in retail settings—and most importantly, what to do to prevent it from happening in the future.  To support the overall effort, a member of the OTA partner group has funded a two-hour anti-racism training to be shared with all Charter members. The training was developed by Mattingly Solutions, a DEI consulting firm focused on workplace inclusion.

“H&M USA is proud to be a signatory of this very important charter,” says Katja Ahola, US Country Sales Manager of H&M.  “We know as an industry there is still so much work to be done, but this very important step, and the collective work of the signatories, will bring us closer to the goal of a more welcoming, safe and inclusive retail experience for all our customers.”

The U.S. retailers that have joined the Charter to date are American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (American Eagle, Aerie), Ascena Retail Group (Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Lou & Grey), Ben & Jerry’s, Capri Holdings (Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Versace), CarMax, Crocs, DICK’S, GAP, Inc., H&M, J. Crew Group, Levi Strauss & Co., Michaels, Movado Group, Tapestry (Coach, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman), rue 21, SEPHORA and Zara.

Non-retail companies, institutions, NGO’s and nonprofits can also support the Charter by becoming a supporter of the Charter and taking the Open to All pledge.  Those groups are asked to support the work of the retailers and resources through sharing the Charter and socializing best practices. 

Seramount, part of EAB, has become an official supporter and will host an informational webinar for interested organizations on June 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. EDT. Register here.

More information on the Racial Bias in Retail Study, commissioned by Sephora, may be found here.

# # #

Open to All is a nonprofit nondiscrimination program that believes everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or disability. www.opentoall.com

For media inquiries, please contact sephorapr@devriesglobal.com

Open to All’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide Harnesses Consumer Purchase Power In Support Of Frontline Workers and Inclusive Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Calla Devlin Rongerude, Open to All | calla@opentoall.com | 415.250.2420

OPEN TO ALL’S 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HARNESSES CONSUMER PURCHASE POWER IN SUPPORT OF FRONTLINE WORKERS AND INCLUSIVE BUSINESSES 

BOULDER, CO, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 — Today, Open to All released its annual Open to All Holiday Gift Guide to encourage consumers to use their purchase power this holiday season to support inclusive businesses and frontline workers. Open to All is the nation’s largest nondiscrimination campaign galvanizing leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector in support of shared American values of fairness and equality. The Holiday Gift Guide features products from small businesses and some of the most iconic brands at every price point from an array of inclusive retailers, celebrating the core principle that any business that is open to the public should make every person feel safe and welcome—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability. 

“In the long haul that is the Covid pandemic, we saw businesses large and small shutter stores and scale back services to keep us all safe. In a time of crisis and lost profits, businesses could have cut back on their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Instead, Open to All businesses of all sizes demonstrated their commitments in myriad ways,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, Director of Open to All. “With our Holiday Gift Guide, we want to encourage people to give the gift of inclusion. At a time of deep divisions, Open to All’s coalition of 200+ nonprofits and 500,000+ businesses are joining together to build a thriving and inclusive nation where all are welcome. When we value our employees and care for our customers and each other, we all thrive.”

Throughout 2021, Open to All collaborated with nonprofit and corporate partners to address the vulnerability of frontline workers. As tensions run high and retailers are asked to enforce safety measures, including mask mandates, amid the global pandemic, frontline workers often can face the brunt of customer frustration, which can often manifest in racist or discriminatory ways. While retailers have long trained frontline workers to respect and serve a diverse customer base, now customers are being asked to join as part of the solution.

Earlier this year, Open to All launched Inclusive Retail, a groundbreaking initiative that puts tools and resources in the hands of businesses and customers alike to ensure the inclusion, safety, and acceptance of those on the frontlines of retail: floor staff and sales associates. Inclusive Retail offers new resources to foster inclusivity and create safe shopping experiences for everyone in retail environments.

The Customer Action Center features resources and tools that empower customers to practice effective allyship if they see an employee receiving unjust treatment from another customer, including:

  • allyship resources created by Hollaback!, which designs and distributes trainings and campaigns on discrimination and harassment;
  • in-depth videos about allyship and implicit bias; and
  • a new Customer Pledge where consumers can affirm the values of being Open to All.

For the first time, customers can collectively signal their commitment to being Open to All. Similar to Open to All’s Business Pledge, the Customer Pledge allows customers to declare that they believe everyone — including employees, visitors, vendors, clients and other customers — should feel safe, respected, and accepted regardless of who they are.

Inclusive Retail provides businesses and customers with the tools necessary to create a welcoming environment for all while shedding light on the increased challenges retail workers face. Open to All encourages consumers to visit the Customer Action Center and sign the pledge as they do their holiday shopping. 

The Open to All Holiday Gift Guide features a wide array of inclusive businesses, from small businesses across the country to corporate partners—all that invest in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

View the Open to All Holiday Gift Guide here.

Businesses that wish to join Open to All can learn more and sign the pledge at http://www.opentoall.com/business-members/#business-pledge.

# # #

About Open to All 

Open to All is one of the most significant public education efforts to date that unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to take a stand for shared American values of fairness and equality. In addition to the thousands of business members, Open to All includes more than 200 nonprofit members spanning civil rights and racial justice organizations; LGBT equality organizations; health and disability organizations; faith organizations; and more. Open to All members are committed to building awareness and understanding about the importance of nondiscrimination—and to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.

Amid Rising Discrimination in Global Pandemic, Open to All® and Leading Retailers Develop Inclusive Retail Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Calla Devlin Rongerude, Open to All, calla@opentoall.com

Ana Serafin Smith, Gap Inc., ana_serafin_smith@gap.com

Hollaback!, press@ihollaback.org, 347.889.5510

Melissa Murdock, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Melissa.Murdock@rila.org 

Groundbreaking Campaign Launches Customer Pledge, Tools and Resources to Promote Safety and Respect of Frontline Workers and Customers Alike

NEW YORK—June 7, 2021—As tensions run high and retailers are asked to enforce safety measures due to the global pandemic, frontline workers often can face the brunt of customer frustration, which can often manifest in racist or discriminatory ways. While retailers have long trained its employees to respect and serve a diverse customer base, now customers are being asked to join as part of the solution. Today, Open to All announced its groundbreaking initiative, Inclusive Retail, a campaign that puts tools and resources in the hands of businesses and customers alike to ensure the inclusion, safety, and acceptance of those on the frontlines of retail: floor staff and sales associates.

The project is a collaboration between Open to All and nonprofit partners Hollaback! and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and corporate partners Ascena Retail, American Eagle Outfitters, Capri Holdings, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Gap Inc., H&M, Michaels, Movado Group, Ralph Lauren, Sephora, and Tiffany & Company.

“Retailers are seeing an alarming rise in discrimination where floor staff are being targeted for who they are when enforcing safety measures. Given the rise in hate violence—which is at an all-time high—frontline workers are more vulnerable than ever,” said Emily May, co-founder and executive director of Hollaback!  “We are working closely with businesses to address this crisis and we are thrilled to partner with Open to All to provide greater access to our resources.”

Open to All is a nonprofit nondiscrimination program that believes everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability.

“The pandemic has highlighted the invaluable role of frontline workers, who over the past year have kept the economy open at great personal risk,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, director of Open to All. “Our Inclusive Retail campaign works to make retail environments welcoming, safe and inclusive for employees as well as customers. We are excited to debut the Customer Pledge and Customer Action Center and invite consumers to learn more about how we all can make retail spaces safe and inclusive for all.”

The initiative offers two new resources: The Customer Action Center and the Open to All Inclusive Retail Business Toolkit. These resources were developed to support frontline workers, who are being asked to enforce public health and safety measures at the risk of potential hostility or discrimination. This is especially prevalent if the worker is a woman, person of color, person with disabilities, person of minority faith, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).

As one of the Inclusive Retail program’s closest collaborators, and a founding member of Open to All, Gap Inc. has worked closely with Open to All and other partners to develop the strategy, resources and policies used to shape the Inclusive Retail campaign.

“Our purpose at Gap Inc. is to be Inclusive, by Design, and this comes to life by actively creating an environment where everyone is welcome. We believe that when you decide that inclusion isn’t optional, not only do the gaps between us close, but a whole new world of possibilities opens,” Chris Nelson, Senior Vice President of Asset Protection at Gap Inc. “We aspire to bring this to life in all of our stores and facilities, and for Gap Inc. to be known as a safe, inclusive place for all. We also know that true change happens as a collective. That is why we supported Open to All in creating the Inclusive Retail Business Toolkit to help the entire retail industry to design experiences with inclusion in mind.”

The Customer Action Center features resources and tools that empower customers to practice bystander intervention and effective allyship if they see an employee receiving unjust treatment from another customer. The bystander intervention tools were created by Hollaback!, which designs and distributes trainings and campaigns against street harassment. Customers can also, for the first time, sign the Open to All Customer Pledge. Similar to Open to All’s business pledge, it allows customers to declare that they believe everyone—including employees, visitors, vendors, clients and other customers—should feel safe, respected, and accepted regardless of who they are.

The Inclusive Retail Business Toolkit contains resources and trainings to help retail environments create a culture of inclusion and belonging, including a sample Customer Belonging Policy, an “Allyship and Advocacy” training video co-produced with Ralph Lauren, and a series of allyship and de-escalation materials. The Inclusive Retail Business Toolkit will also incorporate Sephora’s landmark study on Racial Bias in Retail, which found shoppers are not the only ones subject to bias across the retail landscape. According to their findings, one in five retail employees have personally experienced unfair treatment at their place of work, leading Sephora to work in partnership with Open to All to implement tactics proven to mitigate racial bias in retail.

“Retailers are committed to creating an in-store experience that is welcoming and, most importantly, safe for all visitors,” said RILA’s Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Erin Hiatt. “Maintaining an environment where customers and employees feel safe certainly includes adhering to health guidance like PPE or distancing—but it also means cultivating spaces free from discrimination of any kind. These new toolkits developed by Open to All will be valuable resources to support the industry’s commitment to both.”  

Inclusive Retail is a massive undertaking that provides businesses and customers with the tools necessary to create a welcoming environment for all while shedding light on the increased challenges retail workers face during this time of global pandemic. Through this project, Open to All and its partners affirm to floor staff and sales associates that they are seen and supported from corporate offices to those who walk into the store.

###

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc., a collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands, is the largest American specialty apparel company offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. The company uses omni-channel capabilities to bridge the digital world and physical stores to further enhance its shopping experience. Gap Inc. is guided by its purpose, Inclusive, by Design, and takes pride in creating products and experiences its customers love while doing right by its employees, communities, and planet. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2020 net sales were $13.8 billion. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com. 

About Hollaback!

Hollaback! is a global, people-powered movement to end harassment. We work together to understand the problem, ignite public conversations, and develop innovative strategies that ensure equal access to public spaces. We leverage the very spaces where harassment happens – from online to the streets – to have each other’s back and build a world where we can all be who we are, wherever we are. For more information visit www.ihollaback.org

About Open to All

Open to All is one of the most significant public education efforts to date that unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to support the shared American values of fairness and equality. In addition to the 500,000 business members, Open to All includes more than 200 nonprofit members spanning civil rights and racial justice organizations; LGBTQ equality organizations; health and disability organizations; faith organizations; and more. Open to All members are committed to building awareness and understanding about the importance of nondiscrimination—and to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All. www.opentoall.com

About RILA

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to reimagine and transform the retail ecosystem—and equip leading retailers to succeed in it.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad. www.rila.org

Zero Discrimination Day and Open to All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:

Calla Rongerude, Open to All, calla@opentoall.com

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., sgordon@weareshadow.com

DICK’S Sporting Goods, press@dcsg.com

J.Crew Group, Press@JCrew.Com

Melissa Murdock, RILA, Melissa.Murdock@rila.org

On Zero Discrimination Day, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and the Retail Industry Leaders Association Partner with Open to All® to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

New York, NY — March 1, 2021 — Today, on Zero Discrimination Day, Open to All® is honoring the call to “celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity,” by welcoming American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO), DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) to the national campaign to bring an end to discrimination. These organizations join more than 500,000 businesses and over 200 nonprofits in partnering with Open to All, a public education campaign focused on the longstanding principles that affirm when a business opens its doors to the public, it should be open to everyone on the same terms.

Open to All is a nonprofit nondiscrimination campaign that believes everyone should be welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion or disability. Open to All partners commit to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for people—including employees, visitors, customers, vendors and clients—and to not discriminate against any individuals or deny them goods or services based on any of these characteristics.

“We are thrilled to welcome American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., DICK’S Sporting Goods, J.Crew Group and RILA, who each support Open to All’s mission of eradicating discrimination from public space,” said Calla Devlin Rongerude, Director of Open to All. “These leading organizations and brands have a proven track record in diversity, equity and inclusion. By building a strong foundation and working actively to create an environment of equity, inclusion and empathy, employees are able to work in a welcoming and safe place while building lasting connections with the communities they serve.”

RILA, the US trade association for leading retailers, joins Open to All’s Public Education Coalition while new corporate sponsors AEO, DICK’S Sporting Goods and J.Crew Group have signed the Business Pledge, committing to values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

As an association consisting of over 200 retailers, product manufacturers and service suppliers, RILA reaffirms its mission to advocate and promote operational excellence and innovation in an ever-shifting industry. Recent diversity and nondiscrimination initiatives speak to all their efforts to advocate for an ever-changing and diverse workforce. To this effect, RILA recently delivered their 2021 Public Policy Agenda which outlines retail industry priorities on criminal justice reform, community safety during the pandemic and diversity and inclusion imperatives. RILA is a strong supporter of the Equality Act and is working with Congress to see it enacted into law.

“As the nation’s largest private sector employer, the retail industry has embraced its role in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion both within the retail workforce and within the communities the industry serves,” said RILA president Brian Dodge. “Retailers are engraining this work into core business values because we understand that equity demands constant dedication, awareness and learning. RILA is excited to join the Open to All campaign as we strive together to build a more inclusive and equitable retail ecosystem.”

AEO Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer that celebrates optimism and individuality by empowering its associates and American Eagle and Aerie customers to be their real, authentic selves. AEO is committed to creating real and lasting change by inspiring others to use positive actions to promote belonging, understanding, equality and kindness. AEO is dedicated to being part of the solution, which is reflected in recent initiatives such as appointing the company’s first Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer;  the launch of the AEO Real Change Scholarship for Social Justice to advance education opportunities for associates; its continued support of the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate school-based program to combat hate and discrimination at an early age; and the ongoing efforts to advance the careers of people of color through partnerships with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Harlem’s Fashion Row and HBCUs.

“At AEO we know that every action we take—big or small—can have a huge impact. By pledging our support to Open to All, we affirm our commitment to being a company where customers and associates feel accepted, respected and empowered to be themselves,” said Jay Schottenstein, Jay Schottenstein, Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, AEO Inc. “This is another step forward in AEO’s journey in helping to build a better world for future generations.”

With more than 850 stores and 40,000 teammates, DICK’S Sporting Goods believes it has a fundamental role to play in supporting a broad range of DE&I initiatives across the retail industry and within its company. DICK’S also recently invested $12.5 million in the Black Economic Development Fund to fuel minority lenders and anchor institutions and businesses as part of an effort to close the racial wealth gap.

“We are proud to partner with Open to All and stand with other businesses so we can continue to strengthen our communities and create spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected,” said Lauren Hobart, DICK’S Sporting Goods President and CEO.

J.Crew Group’s commitment to social responsibility is woven into their DNA and a core focus for its J.Crew, Madewell and J.Crew Factory brands. J.Crew Group recognizes the importance of having a diverse workforce and is committed to increasing representation throughout all facets of the organization.  In addition, Madewell has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to educate their community and support their work to ensure equality for all, and recently joined the 15% Pledge, a nonprofit advocacy organization urging major retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

“At J.Crew Group, we are committed to creating accessible and inclusive environments for everyone who is part of our community. Taking the Open to All pledge was a natural extension of our values,” said Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group. “We believe it’s crucial that our spaces are equitable and welcoming for everyone. We look forward to furthering our partnership with Open to All and engaging in continued dialogue with our entire community to make sure we are as inclusive as possible.”

Never before have so many businesses and nonprofits joined together in a single, unified campaign that sends a message that everyone is welcome, valued and respected. Because when a business is open to the public, it should be open to all. Businesses can sign the pledge at http://www.opentoall.com/business-pledge/.

For more information about Open to All or today’s announcement, please visit www.OpenToAll.com.

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About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

Founded in 1948, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of January 30, 2021, the Company operated 728 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated teammates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops. 

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile app for scheduling, communications and live scorekeeping. For more information, visit the Investor Relations page at dicks.com.

About J.Crew Group

J.Crew Group is an internationally recognized omnichannel retailer of women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. [As of March 1, 2021,] the Company operates [152] J.Crew retail stores, [144] Madewell stores, and [168] J.Crew Factory stores in nearly every state in the United States, and also maintains J.Crew, Madewell, and J.Crew Factory websites. For more information visit www.jcrew.com, www.madewell.com and www.jcrewfactory.com.

About Open to All 

Open to All is one of the most significant public education efforts to date that unites and galvanizes national leaders in business, civic engagement, and the nonprofit sector to support the shared American values of fairness and equality. In addition to the 500,000 business members, Open to All includes more than 200 nonprofit members spanning civil rights and racial justice organizations; LGBTQ equality organizations; health and disability organizations; faith organizations; and more. Open to All members are committed to building awareness and understanding about the importance of nondiscrimination—and to defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All. www.opentoall.com  

About RILA

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to reimagine and transform the retail ecosystem—and equip leading retailers to succeed in it. 

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad. www.rila.org