What: A comprehensive DEI playbook outlines five key strategies for expanding diversity initiatives beyond workplace policies to encompass customer experience, product development, and supplier diversity.

Why it is important: With major retailers like Walmart and Amazon modifying their DEI approaches, this playbook offers timely guidance for maintaining inclusive practices while adapting to market pressures.

The Executive Playbook for Expanding the Impact of DEI presents a transformative approach to diversity initiatives in retail organisations. The document outlines five essential strategies that extend DEI beyond traditional workplace policies, addressing customer experience, product development, and supplier relationships. Through detailed case studies, including the Miami Heat's innovative size-inclusive apparel line, the playbook demonstrates how inclusive practices can drive business growth and market expansion. The framework emphasises the importance of data-driven decision-making and measurable outcomes, particularly in developing inclusive products and services. The text provides practical guidance for building inclusive marketplaces whilst maintaining business performance, offering solutions for common challenges in implementing comprehensive DEI strategies. The playbook's approach is particularly relevant as retailers navigate changing consumer demographics and evolving market expectations, supported by research showing the direct correlation between inclusive practices and business success.

IADS Notes: The retail industry's approach to DEI has undergone significant transformation in recent months. In January 2025, Costco maintained its DEI policies despite activist pressure, while Amazon rebranded its initiatives as "Inclusive eXperiences and Technology" in December 2024. Walmart's strategic pivot in November 2024, which involved maintaining inclusion practices whilst modifying terminology, has proven particularly successful, demonstrating the effectiveness of balanced approaches to DEI implementation.

The Executive playbook for expanding the impact of DEI, executive summary

Check out the full playbook here