Walmart, the retail giant we all know for its “everyday low prices,” is making some big changes to its diversity initiatives. But what does this mean for you, the average shopper? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
First off, Walmart is stepping back from using the term “DEI” (that’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for those of us who don’t speak corporate lingo). They’re also bowing out of a corporate equality rating system and saying goodbye to their $100 million Center for Racial Equity. It’s like Marie Kondo came in and decided these programs no longer “spark joy” for the company.
But wait, there’s more! Walmart is also giving its shelves a makeover, removing certain merchandise and taking a closer look at its supplier diversity program. And if you’ve ever seen “LatinX” in Walmart’s communications, wave goodbye to that term too. It’s joining “on fleek” and “YOLO” in the land of retired buzzwords.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I care about this corporate shuffle?” Well, these changes reflect a broader trend in the business world. With recent Supreme Court rulings and political pressures, many companies are rethinking their approach to diversity. Whether you see this as a step forward or backward likely depends on your personal views. But one thing’s for sure – the next time you’re pushing your cart down Walmart’s aisles, you might notice some subtle changes in the products and messaging around you. Welcome to the ever-evolving world of retail, where even diversity initiatives aren’t immune to the clearance rack.
