9 Major Retailers Making It Easy To Support Black-Owned Businesses
It's Black History Month—Here's Where You Can Shop To Show Your Support
This probably goes without saying, but major retailers have a major influence on what succeeds in the fashion world. With a reach as big as theirs, they can skyrocket brand awareness, sell products by the thousands, and change everything for an emerging brand—especially when that brand is Black-owned.
So although BIPOC businesses represent just a small fraction of the retail industry, it’s easier than ever to celebrate them and support them thanks to big names like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Sephora, who are actively spreading the word.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the details on these retailers, along with six others that are doing an excellent job of empowering Black communities and creators through dedicated storefronts, founder spotlights, donations, and more. Scroll on to see the list and shop them in celebration of Black History Month.
February 23, 2023
Written By:Kate Ferris
Product Expert:Taylor DeBaylo
Interviews and Articles make it easy to learn more about the products that top our lists, what’s currently trending, and the leaders who inspire us We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
01
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has made huge strides in its diversity and inclusion efforts over the past few years and only continues to do so. The retailer has an entire online storefront dedicated to Black fashion and design, where you can shop thousands of products in fashion, beauty, home, and more. You’ll also find spotlights on founders and brands like LaQuan Smith, The Oula Company, and Sami Miro Vintage, and you can learn more about what Nordstrom is doing to promote racial equity—committing to buying 10 times more merchandise from Black-owned and founded businesses by 2030 is just one example.
02
Target
Target has officially brought back its annual Black Beyond Measure campaign, featuring a limited-time collection of apparel and accessories from Black creators like Jeanetta Gonzales, Dennis Brown, and Chibia Ulinwa. You’ll also find a wide variety of brand spotlights, as well as information about the retailer’s numerous initiatives aimed at helping Black entrepreneurs succeed—think donations, scholarships, and even an annual Black-owned business fair for its employees.
03
Saks Fifth Avenue
In June of 2021, Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled its roadmap outlining goals to advance its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which included growing its BIPOC leadership and investing in Black designers through its Saks Emerging Designer Program. You can easily shop these labels through the Black Designers section on the retailer’s site, which features hundreds of products in men’s, women’s, and kids sections.
04
Macy's
Over the past few years, Macy’s has launched a series of initiatives to further inclusivity and support Black-owned brands. From joining the 15 Percent Pledge to supporting Black Girls CODE and UNF, the retailer only continues to further its commitment to the growth and advancement of Black-owned businesses and creators. Right now, you can easily shop a range of Black-owned brands through its Diverse Owned Brands category, featuring everything from fashion to beauty to home.
05
Shopbop
Shopbop has long been vocal about its efforts to increase representation of the Black community across its organization, brands, partners, and content. And while the retailer has always made it easy to filter through its beautifully curated inventory, it’s now even easier thanks to its Black Designers & Black-Owned Brands category. In this section, you’ll find hundreds of products to shop from, including everything from swimwear to handbags to everyday staples.
06
Revolve
Revolve has a storefront dedicated to Black-owned brands and designers, but that isn’t all the e-tailer is doing to stand up against racism and inequality. In 2020, Revolve pledged to take immediate action to support meaningful, lasting change, and since then has developed a diversity and inclusion committee, tripled the number of Black-owned brands featured on its site, expanded diversity across marketing channels, and even established the Revolve Mentorship Program to assist and support the growth of Black-owned and designed brands.
07
Madewell
In late 2020, Madewell joined the 15 Percent Pledge and promised that Black-owned brands, artisans, and designers would soon account for at least 15% of its third-party partnerships. Along with increasing design collaborations with Black designers, artists, and Black-owned brands and spotlighting Black creators through its Hometown Heroes Hub, Madewell has also dedicated an entire online storefront to Black-owned brands in its Labels We Love program.
08
Sephora
Sephora currently has an online storefront celebrating Black-owned beauty brands, featuring everything from brand and product spotlights to information about diversity and inclusion initiatives that impact its clients, communities, and employees. You can even join a discussion group dedicated entirely to Black-owned beauty, and you can learn more about in-store events with Black-owned brands happening near you.
09
Ulta
During the month of February, Ulta is spotlighting a number of Black-owned beauty brands like Bread Beauty Supply, Bevel, BeautyStat, Juvia's Place, and more. Even better, the beauty retailer announced the launch of its MUSE platform in 2022, a celebration of 100 inspiring Black voices in beauty, each of whom will be awarded a MUSE 100 grant to further their impact.
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