COTRA CONNECT

Each month, we randomly select companies from a single industry to respond to questions shaped by trends we’re tracking with workers and consumers nationwide. Companies are invited to reply, share context, or engage in dialogue. Our goal is to build greater balance, transparency, and accountability between decision-makers and those most impacted.

APRIL INDUSTRY

Specialty Retail

INVITED TO THE TABLE

The Children’s Place

Zara

Abercrombie & Fitch.

Gap

J.Jill

American Eagle

Talbots

Charlotte Russe

Foot Locker

Starbucks

April Questions

1. Worker Safety
Violence in retail spaces—especially malls—is occurring at a far higher rate than many in the public realize, with shootings and aggressive theft creating growing risks. Within the COTRA Group Retail Network, we’ve heard consistent concern that safety-related requests at the store level are often denied or delayed due to budget constraints. These include being required to work alone, limited access to security support, or a general lack of resources in high-risk situations.

Have your store-level associates raised concerns about their physical safety or well-being while on the job? If so, have budget-related decisions ever limited your company’s ability to fully address those concerns?

2. Union Prevention
When internal systems fall short—such as in matters of safety, fair pay, or retaliation—some employees turn to union representation for support. At the same time, we’ve seen increased interest in how companies prepare for or respond to this trend, particularly through third-party consultants or internal training.

Has your company worked with any external organizations on union-related strategy or training within the last five years? If so, how does your leadership align those efforts with a commitment to equity, transparency, and employee engagement?

3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
As conversations around DEI continue to evolve, companies are navigating shifting expectations and a wide range of perspectives. Some continue to see DEI as essential to building inclusive workplaces, while others raise questions about structure, measurement, and long-term value.

Does your company currently operate a DEI program or team? How does leadership view its role today, and how do you see it evolving in the years ahead?

Company Responses & Continued Communication

Letters Sent: 10

Responses Received: 0

Abercrombie & Fitch

American Eagle Outfitters