Nordstrom is beginning February by declaring its commitment to addressing systemic racial inequity. In honor of Black History Month—which is celebrated every February in the U.S., Nordstrom is spotlighting Black-owned brands with the launch of a ‘New Concepts at Nordstrom’.
The leading fashion retailer set some goals back in August 2020, amidst the Black Lives Matter movement, to address its most pressing opportunities related to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Among other things, these goals address increasing Black and Latinx representation among its managers by at least 50 percent, delivering 500 million dollars in retail sales from brands owned by, operated by or designed by Black and/or Latinx individuals, increasing charitable donations to organizations that promote anti-racism to one million dollars per year for the next five years.
Owing to the commitment and in celebration of Black History Month, Nordstrom is set to celebrate Black-owned brands through various merchandise categories—particularly, the beauty and home departments—in store and online.
Its New Concepts pop-up program will launch Concept 012: Black_Space, a national retail platform for designers, creatives and thought leaders across varied perspectives and experiences representing Black culture. The initiative will include an immersive shopping experience across 12 Nordstrom stores nationwide and its web — developed, designed and curated by Black voices.
During the months of February and March, the Nordstrom NYC flagship will unveil their latest Center Stage pop-up showcasing Black-owned brands across beauty, clothing, shoes and accessories.
In addition, Nordstrom is going to expand its Inclusive Beauty category, originally launched in October 2020 to make it easier for customers to find the products that meet their specific needs – regardless of skin or hair type, tone, complexion or texture.
Nordstrom Beauty has formed partnerships with 12 new Black founded brands this month including Sienna Naturals, 54 Thrones, Rosen, UnSun, Brown Girl Jane, Auda B, London Grant, Spraise, Buttah, Beneath Your Mask, AJ Crimson, and Uoma.
Also, the retailer’s flagship interior store: Nordstrom at Home will launch Goodee brand this month, a Black founded brand by designers and creatives Byron and Dexter Peart. According to their site, Goodee offers sustainable solutions for modern living through working exclusively with artisans. The brand offers products that make a positive social or environmental impact through curating a unique global marketplace with distinctive storytelling.
Addressing this move by Nordstrom to celebrate Black History Month, the retailer’s President, Pete Nordstrom said:
“We are a part of the communities we serve, and that means we have a responsibility to create a sense of welcoming and belonging for all. We know our impact extends beyond our own walls and we’re committed to taking steps to be a part of the solution by making Nordstrom a better, more inclusive and anti-racist company for our employees, customers, partners and communities.”
Photo credit: Forbes
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
This is a Style Rave original content exclusively created for our readers. If reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used by any other publishing house or blogs, such use should provide a direct link to this source article. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
—Read Also
