We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us stronger, and it’s woven into all facets of our business. At Bath & Body Works, a diverse supplier base is a key element of how we put our DEI commitments into action.

Since 2003, Bath & Body Works’ supplier diversity program has supported business and leadership development for suppliers from traditionally underrepresented or underserved groups to better position them for growth and inclusion in corporate supply chains.

Guided by our values, diversifying our supply base drives economic development in underserved communities and helps level the playing field in our procurement practices. This model also helps to create jobs, new skills, and support economic capacity within those communities.

“Investing in Supplier Diversity is a key business strategy that invites different perspectives and experiences and gives us the opportunity to discover innovative solutions for our business” says Kelli Holcomb-Acoff, General Manager of Procurement for Bath & Body Works. “Additionally, by focusing on inclusion and support of diverse suppliers, we can directly impact the communities where our customers live.”

Bath & Body Works is committed to working with suppliers that are majority owned or operated by traditionally underrepresented or underserved populations including women; Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans; LGBTQIA+ individuals; veterans and service-disabled veterans; and people with a disability, to ensure they have fair and equitable access to become our business partners.

We work in partnership with local and national organization initiatives to support our program. Currently we’re mentors with Disability: IN, a nonprofit organization which works to effect change for people with disabilities in business. During this year-long mentorship program, we’re paired with a Disability: IN certified supplier, connecting them with subject matter experts throughout the business to share guidance and expertise.

Last year Bath & Body Works launched a pilot program to support our incumbent suppliers in obtaining certification—certification verifies that a company is owned and operated by an individual in one of the dimensions of diversity, providing visibility to other corporations that they are a diverse supplier.

Though Bath & Body Works has fostered a supplier diversity program for 20 years, we’re aiming to deepen and expand our relationships with diverse suppliers in the years to come. We have partnered with leaders across our business to develop a roadmap for a best-in-class program which further broadens economic vitality and prosperity in underrepresented communities and provides fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to our business.

For more information on this program, visit our site here.

Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works

Home of America’s Favorite Fragrances®, Bath & Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, including top-selling collections for fine fragrance mist, body lotion and body cream, 3-wick candles, home fragrance diffusers and liquid hand soap. Powered by agility and innovation, the company’s predominantly U.S.-based supply chain enables the company to deliver quality, on-trend luxuries at affordable prices. Bath & Body Works serves and delights customers however and wherever they want to shop, from welcoming, in-store experiences at 1,850 company-operated Bath & Body Works locations in the U.S. and Canada and more than 480 international franchised locations to an online storefront at bathandbodyworks.com.

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