Walmart's decision roll back According to John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, some of its diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the country are designed to “make sure that every customer, every associate” feels welcome and feels like they belong.
“Like many companies throughout the United States, we have been on a journey and we will continue to be on a journey. And what we're trying to do is make sure that every customer, every associate feels welcome here to shop Be. And to feel like they belong,” Ferner said in an exclusive interview with “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday in response to questions about the DEI policy decision.
Walmart confirmed these changes on Monday The Wall Street Journal previously reported At those, the latter represents the end of a five-year commitment to an equity racial center established police killing of george floydAlso the retailer's decision to phase out the term DEI. Walmart will no longer prioritize suppliers based on racial 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 help promote inclusion.
“We will continue to make the best decisions that make everyone — our customers, our associates — feel like this is an environment in which they can shop and thrive,” he said.
Still, Walmart's decision comes amid growing pressure from conservatives to curb corporate DEI policies, which have grown rapidly in the post-US. Supreme Court's decision in June 2023 Ending affirmative action in college admissions. Some conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations targeting workplace DEI initiatives as well as hiring practices that promote historically marginalized groups.
Other corporations that have recently moved away from DEI policies include Ford, Lowe, Tractor Supply And Harley Davidson,
Asked whether diversity among suppliers is important to Walmart, Ferner focused on small businesses and smaller suppliers.
“We will continue to do what we can to ensure smaller suppliers have a path to succeed,” he said. He said Walmart started as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962.
Walmart is also committed to selling American-made goods, which account for about two-thirds of the items the company sells, Ferner said, adding, “We will continue to look to ensure we provide the best path for small businesses ” , Our supplies will be successful here in the store.”
How is Walmart preparing for Trump's proposed tariffs?
Walmart will be ready for President-elect Donald Trump's new trade policies, Ferner said, because the retailer's products are mostly made in the United States. Still, he acknowledged that customers may see some impact on prices.
On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his campaign promise, threatening to impose comprehensive new tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, Canada and China – America's top three suppliers, according to the latest census data – as one of his “several first 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 his crackdown on drugs and immigration. He said the tariffs “will remain in place until drugs, especially fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
“We will adjust to any environment. We've been in a tariff environment for the last seven years,” Furner said. He said he has a team of people who are responsible for managing the change in trade policy.
Ferner said Walmart will make every possible effort between suppliers and the supply chain to keep prices low and help people save money.
“We're going to focus on products and value,” Ferner said, adding that the company continues to monitor and evaluate potential plans from the incoming Trump administration.