Dear BoF Community,
Donald Trump's victory in a bitterly fought election capped a year of rapid change and uncertainty in fashion workplaces.
The decline of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that were widely adopted in 2020 accelerated amid legal threats from conservative activists. Walmart, the largest US retailer, underscored this shift by unraveling many of its DEI initiatives in November.
Many fashion firms turned to AI to address a host of employment issues, including leaning on the technology to overcome longstanding recruitment challenges, from screening résumés to drafting job postings. The rise of AI is also placing a new premium on soft skills that can't easily be automated — like communication, creativity, critical thinking and adaptability.
The post-Covid hybrid work battles continued, with many companies settling on a three-days-in, two-days-out compromise. But employers are increasingly taking a harder line, with Amazon, Patagonia, Walmart and Asos among the firms reining in remote work. Foot Locker bucked the trend, announcing a move from its New York HQ to St. Petersburg, Fla., without requiring employee relocation.
Looking to 2025, Trump's policy agenda — potential mass deportations, tariffs and divisive stances on women's, LGBTQ, and immigrant rights — could heighten pressure on fashion and beauty brands to re-engage with the discourse. For some, that means reviving advocacy work that had waned towards the end of Joe Biden's administration. However, there are some early signs pointing to fashion leaders looking to curry favour with the president-elect as well.
Sheena Butler-Young, Senior Correspondent
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