Ethics in Retailing

Retailers have been increasingly concerned with the conditions of under developed countries and the people who live in these poor conditions.  Many companies have given back to these under developed countries by donating portions of profits to organizations that work to help progress the development of these countries or the companies themselves take direct action.

The Wall Street Journal featured an article about the fashion line Edun that Bono, from the band U2, and his wife created for the purpose of "revitalizing apparel manufacturing in sub-Saharan Africa," according to the article.  The company, however, encountered problems achieving its mission and had to produce only a portion of its products in Africa because of Africa's limited manufacturing capacity.  The company hopes to increase the portion of clothes produced in Africa in the future.  Edun's mission states that 100% profits made off of t-shirts that feature artwork drawn by Kenyan school children will go toward funding "basic needs, such as lunch, supplies, healthcare, and development projects" at the Bidii School in Kenya.  Edun has also created the Conservation Cotton Initiative to "build sustainable farming communities and provide a fair trade market for their cotton" in Uganda.

Another company that is well known for its high level of corporate social responsibility is TOMS Shoes. The popular shoe company created the One for One Movement which is TOMS' practice of giving a pair of shoes to a child in need for every one pair that is purchased.  The shoe company also works with organizations to make sure children in poor countries always have access to quality shoes to protect their feet from disease and to educate families about the importance of wearing shoes.

Large corporations like Walmart also contribute to humanitarian efforts.  Walmart operates by a "philosophy" of "operating globally and giving back locally."  Walmart has donated money to help relieve hunger in America, as well as helped with relief for Haiti after it was hit by a devastating earthquake.

Many retailers have focused their corporate social responsibility on humanitarian efforts, concentrating on those who are in need in under developed countries.  They use the power of their profits and products to fuel progress, improvement, and change in these countries.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704358904575478310504593870.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
http://www.edun.com/mission#
http://www.toms.com/movement-one-for-one
http://www.toms.com/how-we-give
http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/

- Bria G.