Diversity Leaders at Qurate and Francesca’s Explain How Retailers Should Approach DEI

When it comes to retail, discussing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become the norm, internally and externally. And while many companies made outward commitments to support the Black community and other minorities in 2020, leaders agree that there is still more work to be done. “It’s important to treat diversity initiatives and diversity goals like any other business goal,” explained Canetta Reid, SVP and chief people officer at Francesca’s, explaining the importance of avoiding “performative diversity initiatives.” During a keynote panel discussion about diversity and inclusion initiatives in the retail industry at the eTail conference in Boston, Mass. on Aug. 9, Reid and other diversity leaders from across retail shared their strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces where all employees can feel safe and heard. “Gone are the days of politics being off-limits in the workplace,” said Reid, explaining how the pandemic melted the divisions between work and home. As such, Reid noted the importance of workplaces fostering safe environments at work to discuss or react to current events. “It’s important to give people an opportunity to talk about those things and not have those things be off limits,” she said. Chief Diversity Officer of Qurate Retail Group Virginia Nguyen also noted the importance of

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