Walmart’s decision to go back Some of its nationwide diversity, equity and inclusion policies are designed to “ensure that every customer, every associate” feels welcome and like they belong, according to John Furner, president and CEO. management of Walmart US.
“Like many businesses in the United States, we’ve been on a journey and we continue to do so. And what we’re trying to do is make sure that every customer, every associate feels welcome here to shop .And feel like you belong,” Furner said in response to questions about the DEI policy decision in an exclusive interview Tuesday with “CBS Mornings.”
The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday after The Wall Street Journal reported on them earlier, represent the end of a five-year commitment to a racial equity center created after the police killing of George Floydas well as the retailer’s decision to phase out the term DEI. Walmart will also no longer give priority treatment to suppliers based on race or gender diversity, and will block sellers from listing certain transgender-related or themed items on the website.
Furner said Walmart is undergoing changes to drive inclusion.
“We’re going to continue to make the best decisions we can so that everyone – our customers, our associates – feel like this is an environment where they can shop and thrive,” he said. he declared.
Even so, Walmart’s move comes amid growing pressure from conservatives to end corporate DEI policies, which intensified after the fall of the United States. Supreme Court ruling in June 2023 end affirmative action in college admissions. Some conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations, targeting DEI initiatives in the workplace as well as hiring practices that give a boost to historically marginalized groups.
Other companies that have recently opted out of DEI policies include Ford, Lowe’s, tractor supply And Harley-Davidson.
When asked if diversity among suppliers remains important to Walmart, Furner focused on small businesses and suppliers.
“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure small suppliers have a path to success,” he said, noting that Walmart began in 1962 as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas.
Walmart is also committed to selling American-made products, which make up about two-thirds of what the company sells, Furner said, adding: “We’re going to continue to make sure we provide the best avenues for small businesses. , our supplies to succeed here in store.”
How Walmart is preparing for Trump’s proposed tariffs
Walmart will be ready to adapt to President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policies because the retailer’s products are primarily made in the United States, Furner said. Still, he acknowledged that customers might see some impact on pricing.
President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his campaign promise on Monday, threatening to impose drastic new prices on goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China — the top three U.S. suppliers, according to the most recent census data — as one of his “many early executive orders.”
Trump said he planned to add a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which he described as part of its crackdown on drugs and immigration. He said the tariffs would be maintained “until drugs, especially Fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!” »
“We will adapt to any environment. We have been in an environment with tariffs for seven years now,” Furner said, adding that they have a team of people tasked with managing changes in trade policy .
Furner said Walmart will do everything it can – between suppliers and the supply chain – to keep prices low and help people save money.
“We’re going to focus on products and values,” Furner said, noting that the company continues to monitor and evaluate potential plans from the incoming Trump administration.
