Ethics
My admiration for the magic of retail is unwavering. However, like most things we love, I set out to gain a deeper understanding of the hands who've made the merchandise. Throughout my academic career and personal research, I've begun to understand Corporate Social Responsibility as not only a set of standards but as an expectation. Consumers are reading headlines and sharing information about fair trade and ethical labor more than ever before. Since the days of muckcraking journalism, it's much harder to sweep irresponsible and unethical practices under the rug. Retailers, proud of groundbreaking strides, highlight their fair wages, factory conditions and international relations to ease minds and sculpt their edge against competition. I believe consumer awareness will stay in style for seasons to come, and I aim to make it a priority in my own career.