Inside Walmart’s Bold DEI Overhaul: CEO Pledges to Transform Every Shopper’s Experience
John Furner, Walmart U.S. president and CEO, discusses the company’s choice to reduce its focus on DEI policies.
Furner explained that the adjustments are part of Walmart’s ongoing efforts to ensure inclusivity while addressing the diverse needs of its vast customer base and workforce. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, he emphasized that this shift reflects a broader journey Walmart has been on, similar to many companies across the United States.
“We’ve been on a journey, and we continue to be on one,” Furner said. “Our goal is to create a space where every customer and every associate feels welcome and has a sense of belonging.” While the specifics of the changes were not fully outlined, the decision underscores Walmart’s focus on maintaining an inclusive atmosphere while adapting to the evolving expectations of its stakeholders.
On Monday, Walmart confirmed changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following a report by The Wall Street Journal. These changes mark the conclusion of a five-year commitment to the racial equity center established after the police killing of George Floyd. Additionally, the company has decided to phase out the use of the term DEI.
Walmart will also no longer prioritize suppliers based on racial or gender diversity and plans to remove certain transgender-related or themed products from its online marketplace. These updates reflect a shift in the company’s approach to inclusivity and supplier practices.
John Furner, Walmart’s U.S. president and CEO, stated that the company’s recent changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies are aimed at fostering a sense of inclusion for everyone. “We’re committed to making decisions that ensure our customers and associates feel this is a place where they can shop and thrive,” Furner said.
However, Walmart’s decision comes at a time when conservative groups have increased pressure on corporations to move away from DEI policies. This push has intensified following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions. Similar arguments have been raised in lawsuits targeting corporate DEI programs and hiring practices that favor historically marginalized groups.
Walmart isn’t alone in scaling back DEI initiatives. Other companies, including Ford, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and Harley-Davidson, have also taken steps to reduce their focus on such policies.
When asked about Walmart’s commitment to supplier diversity, Furner shifted the conversation to highlight the company’s focus on supporting small businesses and smaller suppliers.
“We’ll continue to do the things we can do to ensure small suppliers have a path to be successful,” he said, noting that Walmart started in 1962 as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas.
Walmart is also committed to selling American-made goods, which make up about two-thirds of what the company sells, Furner said, adding, “We’re going to continue to lean into ensuring that we provide the very best pathways for small businesses, our supplies to be successful here in the store.”
Walmart is prepared to adapt to the new trade policies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, according to John Furner, the retailer’s U.S. CEO. He noted that most of Walmart’s products are sourced domestically, which could help mitigate the impact of any changes. However, Furner acknowledged that customers might still experience some price increases as a result.
On Monday, Trump reiterated his campaign pledge to implement significant tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China—America’s top three trading partners, based on the latest Census data. He announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
Trump stated that these measures are part of his strategy to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration, particularly focusing on the flow of fentanyl. The tariffs, he declared, would remain in place “until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
John Furner, Walmart U.S. CEO, stated that the company is prepared to adapt to any changes in the trade environment, noting that Walmart has already operated under tariffs for the past seven years. He explained that a dedicated team is in place to manage shifts in trade policies effectively.
Furner emphasized Walmart’s commitment to keeping prices as low as possible, working closely with suppliers and throughout the supply chain to help customers save money. “Our focus will remain on offering quality products and great value,” he said, adding that Walmart continues to monitor and assess the potential policies of the incoming Trump administration.
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