Whether it’s politics or products, one thing the past year has shown is the power of “we.”
Red and blue - two colors can represent different parties, opinions or philosophies; but, when blended create something sublime. The color purple represents peace, royalty, power, unity, and perhaps, inclusion.
“Let’s embrace the color purple. Let’s embrace, unity, inclusion and working collaboratively to find solutions to bring us through these difficult times.”
Fashions change, and fortunately, so do philosophies. I was inspired by the presidential inauguration this past week. The air of respect, professionalism and inclusiveness. I must admit as a life-long retailer, I also looked at the fashion and was mesmerized by the color purple.
Not only did the color convey strength, it conveyed inclusiveness, unity. It gave me hope. Whether it’s politics or products, one thing the past year has shown is the power of “we.” COVID coupled with systemic racism has been devastating for so many of my friends, family, businesses, etc. So as we collectively look to the future − the possibilities of 2021 and beyond − I’m all about the purple.
🟣 Why I'm Optimistic
Small Business Focus:
As a retail aficionado, small business is the life-blood of mainstreets everywhere. That said the local restaurants and retailers that we love have been hit hard by the pandemic. Fortunately, forward thinking legislation like the America Rescue Plan seeks to give a needed hand up to local entrepreneurs.
Inclusion Pledges
While the year is young, we encourage retailers to honor the pledges made to feature, and carry, black and multicultural brands. The year 2020 saw many retailers look to diversify their teams from clerk to the Chair of the Board. My hope is that this trend will grow and expand. Many companies, including many retailers, put their words into action, with over 130 black board members being appointed in the last half of the year up from the 38 black appointees during the previous five months, according to Mark Rogers, CEO of BoardProspect. We can't let this moment pass us by!
Retail is Resilient
As an industry, retail has adapted and found their way through challenges. In addition to positive shifts in inclusivity of diverse brands and customers, retail is also embracing new modalities. COVID necessitated tech and service-oriented changes. Think about curbside service, or being able to buy online and return in stores. These innovations in the customer experience are likely to only grow.
Let’s embrace the color purple. Let’s embrace, unity, inclusion and working collaboratively to find solutions to bring us through these difficult times. Perhaps, corporate America can lead by example -- showing those inside the Beltway a new way forward. Let’s find ways to blend our opinions, talents and philosophies to find solutions to social, racial, health and business challenges we face. Let’s fully embrace the adage that we are profoundly better together.
About the author: Co founder of the MAS Project, Aubrey Avery Jr. has over 40 years experience with some of the Nation's most beloved retailers. His love and passion for retail has always been about assisting individuals and companies be their best; and sharing his knowledge on how to get there. His smile is contagious and his motivation is focused on being an agent of change: to enhance total performance both for people and business. Simply put, retail is his chocolate cake and ice cream.
