Remember when Nordstrom dropped Ivanka Trump's brand? The department store's official reason for the decision was that the first daughter's line wasn't selling well, but many saw this as a victory for the #GrabYourWallet campaign, which pushes for the boycott of all businesses that sell Trump products. However, in a move that seems to corroborate the theory that Nordstrom also had ethical and social reasons for pulling Ivanka's line, the company's presidents, brothers Peter, Erik and Blake Nordstrom sent an interesting memo to their employees early last week. In the letter, they stressed the integral role that immigrants have always played in the company's proceedings—starting with John W. Nordstrom, the founder of the company himself, who came to the U.S. from Sweden and was afforded invaluable opportunities in this country.
Emphasizing the importance of diversity, the letter continues, "We currently employ more than 76,000 people who comprise different races, ethnicities and genders. We literally have thousands of employees who are first and second generation immigrants. Every one of your unique qualities brings a richness that allows us to better reflect and serve the multi-cultured communities we’re a part of and ultimately makes us a better company. We are a better place with you here, no doubt about it."
The memo was sent out shortly after the Trump administration's immigration ban was instated, ostensibly to reassure Nordstrom employees that the company would do everything in its power to protect them. "It’s important that we reiterate our values to all of you and make it clear that we support each of our employees," the letter reads. "We will continue to value diversity, inclusion, respect, and kindness… you can count on that."
Whether or not Nordstrom's decision to cut ties with Ivanka Trump was purely financial, the store's values are admirable. Here's to businesses that take a stand.