Retail labels are full of signals designed to appeal to shoppers’ preferences and values: Made in America, gluten-free, fair trade, or kosher. Soon, shoppers will be able to look for a new one: A small, circular symbol indicating that the company behind the product is owned by women.
The logo is the work of two nonprofits and Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), which, beginning in September, will sell products with the stamp ranging from lingerie to salsa. The retail giant pledged in 2011 to source $20 billion of goods by 2016 from women-owned businesses in the U.S.
“People are looking for reasons to feel good about the company they’re buying from,” says Pamela Prince-Eason, chief executive officer of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Her group, along with WEConnect International, certifies businesses seeking contracts earmarked for women-owned businesses. Any business that gets the stamp of approval from either organization can use the logo, Prince-Eason says.
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