Work For A Better Republic
Banana Republic stands with the Black community in the fight against systemic racism, hatred and social injustice. It starts with us looking inward, to examine our practices, and ensure that we are always working for a better republic.
It is essential that we act with integrity, champion diversity and inclusivity and think progressively. It is imperative that we actively stand with the Black community. We know that actions matter more than words. We have work to do. We have to act and empower others to do the same. A real change is necessary, and we are dedicated to being a part of it.
We have not always gotten it right and we acknowledge that. Here are some of the actionable steps we are taking towards being better.
Better Practices
We know that our teams should reflect the communities we serve. We are well represented by gender, with women in leadership at all levels, but we are underrepresented in Black and Latinx employees. We are committed to doubling the representation of Black and Latinx employees at all levels in our US HQ offices by 2025. We will also double the representation of our Black and Latinx employees in functions that make and market our products to ensure we are creating for all, with all. And knowing that Black store leaders are underrepresented, we will increase Black representation in those roles by 50% by 2025.
We are committed to changing our culture so that it lives up to our values. We will continue to provide resources, such as unconscious bias training, companywide. We will also extend the positive research we’ve already begun here in California around racial pay equity within our organization, to assess the data for all our US employees.
Better Products
Our mission is to ignite the inner confidence in all who share our passion for a better tomorrow. This applies to everything we do for all. We will continue to partner with our internal organization, Color Proud Council, as advisors on product design, merchandising and marketing. We will work with organizations such as Harlem’s Fashion Row to feature designer capsule collections that champion Black talent. We will continue to create product to celebrate important moments for all of our customers and communities - Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Pride, and more.
Better Partners
We recognize there is a perception that the Banana Republic brand does not appear diverse and inclusive. To address this, over the past year our imagery—inclusive of both models and influencers, has included over 60% people of color. We are committed to amplifying Black voices and Black talent in our marketing, both in front of and behind the camera. We will always show a range of people reflective of the world we live in.
We will devote resources to the communities where the need and change is greatest. Banana Republic has joined Old Navy, Gap and Athleta to donate $250,000 to NAACP and EmbraceRace. We donated over $20 million of new clothing to Delivering Good to help the millions of unemployed Americans who need support getting back to work. We continue to partner with those aligned with our vision of a better tomorrow.
