Walmart Cuts DEI Programs. Here are 8 Small, Black-Owned Businesses to Buy From This Holiday Instead.
Let's stop spending money with companies who don't care about all of us
The Wall Street Journal hit me with a perfectly timed article this week. The news giant reports that Walmart is ending some of its diversity programs. I say the article was perfectly timed because I was already gathering a list of small businesses to buy from.
“The retailer will wind down the Center for Racial Equity, a nonprofit Walmart funded with $100 million in 2020 for five years, and programs that provide assistance to suppliers that are 51%-owned by women, minorities, veterans or members of the LGBTQ community.”
The company will also phase out the term “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI).
Walmart said in a statement:
“We are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America. We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect.”
So, they’re leaning into white supremacy because that group is currently the loudest. Right. Cool. Good look, Walmart.
I don’t shop at Walmart and I’m not about to start. This holiday season, I’m spending my money with small businesses. I’m finding every Black-owned business I can, and I’m spending my money there. Also, woman-owned, Native-American owned, LGBTQ-owned, etc.
Here’s a list I’ve got going if you would like to join me.
A huge shoutout to Leslie Turner (@leslieturner_ on Tiktok). She tirelessly compiled some amazing lists of Black-owned businesses. Whatever you’re shopping for, she’s got you. Go follow her.
Here are some places I’ll be checking out this season.
The SKN Solution - Body care and face care products. They also have these cool travel sets. I think I need one of each.
Black Girl Sunscreen - Yep, you guessed it - they sell sunscreen. They have everyday screens that go under your makeup, and they have screens for the kiddos, too.
Yummy Honey Co. - I’m a honey fanatic (is that weird?). I put honey in my coffee every morning, and when I go to Arizona, I buy a lot of honey. Mesquite is one of my favorites. But this holiday, I’m trying Yummy Honey. They have California Buckwheat, Orange Blossom, Wildflower, and more. They also have small taster sets.
PS - If you eat honey from the area where you live, it can help boost your immune system and help you not to get sick. Bonus!
Reel Paper Products - Paper towels and TP made from bamboo. “Reel Paper is made with 100% tree-free fibers, making it the most sustainable paper on the market. Plus, all of our shipping materials are biodegradable, and we use plastic-free packaging.”
Hooray!
Sisterly Drinkware - Glasses and barware. Pretty pink cocktail glasses, fun barware sets, and high-heel wine bottle holders. Fun! They have this decanter set that I have no room for, but I’ve got my eye on.
Puzzles of Color - Over the past year, my husband and I have become major puzzle nerds. We dream of an extra room dedicated to a puzzle table. In the meantime, we’ll keep shuffling them off and on our coffee table. This website has some beautiful art designs in puzzles of 100-1,000 pieces. I want them all.
Fera Pets - Pet wellness created by two women vets. I buy their joint support supplements for my dog - he is 12 years old. He loves them, and they help with mobility. They have a huge line of supplements for dogs and cats. Made with the highest quality ingredients.
South Bark Pet - I buy all my pet food and toys at South Bark, and I wash my dog there. The business is LGBTQ-owned and a pillar of good work in our small neighborhood. Online, you can buy pet shampoo, conditioner, and cologne. They’re seriously the best.
B. Yellowtail - Native American-owned women’s fashion brand. The scarves they sell are utterly gorgeous. They also do some amazing accessories and skirts. I need to clean out my closet and start over with this brand. Love.
Southern Gents - For the fellas - if you’re looking for style, this is it. Everything on this site is cool and the way they have it styled - wow! Perfect. Check it out for a new outfit, a stylish coat, or simply style inspiration.
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Welp, that should give you a good start.
I earn nothing from recommending these businesses.
I think they're all really cool and doing great work. I want to see more small businesses thrive against these corporate giants. They're drowning in money and paying their employees pennies.
Shopping small requires a little more effort; a little more foresight. But we can do it.
This year, let’s pull together and lift everyone. Let’s give everyone a fighting chance. Let’s let Walmart know that we don’t need them. We don’t need them if they’re going to take money away from hourly employees and cut DEI programs. No, we don’t.
The loudest voice we have is in how we spend our money.
This holiday season, I hope you get more time with the people you love. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you in the next issue.
PS. - If you have a small business you love, please give it a shoutout in the comments.
Kit Campoy is an author and retail expert with two decades of experience leading retail teams. Today, she freelance writes for world-class SaaS Retail Tech companies.
For sure! The best way to impact these companies is money. It's a clear and pure message. Thanks for the list!
I only want to shop at Democratic, liberal small businesses. No Walfarts, Tarfarts or small businesses run tRumpers.