Kohl’s Ditches DEI Language, Shifts Focus to Inclusion and Belonging
New Chief Executive Officer Ashley Buchanan’s Initiatives
Under new chief executive officer Ashley Buchanan, who took over the retailer in January, Kohl’s is making significant changes to its policies and practices. The latest move comes as the company is facing criticism from the Trump administration and declining sales.
Scrapping DEI Language
Kohl’s has decided to scrap references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its website, replacing it with the latest corporate buzzwords: inclusion and belonging. The company has also changed the title of its chief DEI officer, Michelle Banks, to chief inclusion and belonging officer.
Broadening Supplier Diversity Program
Banks emphasized that the company remains committed to attracting, growing, and engaging a workforce that values and respects its broad customer base. She also announced that Kohl’s is broadening its supplier diversity program to be open to all qualified small businesses.
Cost-Cutting Measures
The moves come as Kohl’s is cutting about 10% of its corporate positions and closing some underperforming locations. The company’s shares plunged earlier this week after it reported that its comparable sales are expected to drop as much as 6% this year, significantly worse than Wall Street’s projections.
Industry-Wide Trend
Kohl’s is not alone in its shift away from DEI language. Many companies across various sectors, including Victoria’s Secret, Target, Meta Platforms, and Walmart, have been pulling back from DEI, with some dropping diversity-related hiring and promotion goals.
Conclusion
Kohl’s decision to ditch DEI language and focus on inclusion and belonging marks a significant change in the company’s approach to diversity and inclusion. As the retail industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to the current trends and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason behind Kohl’s decision to scrap DEI language?
A: The company is facing criticism from the Trump administration and is looking to shift its focus to inclusion and belonging.
Q: What is the new title of Kohl’s chief DEI officer?
A: Michelle Banks is now the chief inclusion and belonging officer.
Q: What is Kohl’s new supplier diversity program?
A: The company is broadening its supplier diversity program to be open to all qualified small businesses.
Q: What are the cost-cutting measures taken by Kohl’s?
A: The company is cutting about 10% of its corporate positions and closing some underperforming locations.
