10 Feb Rack Room Shoes Launches Inclusive Nude Shades in Boots, Sandals to Increase Diverse Product Offerings
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb 8, 2022 – In an ongoing effort to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity, Rack Room Shoes has introduced new boots and sandals in more inclusive shades to compliment a broader range of skin tones.
“Historically, the only nude color offered through our exclusive brands was beige,” said Amani Russell, Woman’s Associate Buyer. Russell and Mariah Parker, Women’s Assistant Buyer, who are both Black Women, saw an opportunity to expand the products to be more inclusive. With the support of Women’s Buyer Alyson Stanley, they began researching, testing and developing the new range of nude tones.
Russell and Parker, worked together to create an initial offering of two new shades: “Mocha” which is a medium brown shade and “Espresso” which is a deeper rich brown. The new product line, Hues for You, are available through the Xappeal, Michael by Michael Shannon and Limelight brands.
“We recognize when it comes to nude, one shade does not work for everyone. The term nude has only referred to a minimal range of light skin tones. It was important for us to focus on providing more options for our customers who are women of color,” Russell said.
With the successful launch of the new shades in fall 2021, the Merchant team is preparing to add to the spectrum of shades for upcoming seasons.
“Whether the hues are tonal or contrasting, they are great neutrals that allow our customer to maximize her staple footwear of the season. We hope that we have created more options for woman of color and look forward to expanding that inclusiveness,” Russell said. “We still have more work to do to bring an even more diverse shade range, but we are pleased to be taking steps in the right direction. We are everchanging and always strive to meet our customer’s needs and wants each season.”
In 2020, Rack Room Shoes began taking steps to promote diversity and inclusion and pledged to take actions against systemic racism and injustices that continue to affect the Black community. The company has launched internal implicit bias training, a scholarship program, is developing an internship program aimed at HBCUs and continues to fund educational and economic empowerment charities through corporate donations.
About Rack Room Shoes
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is known as an innovator in the shoe industry for nearly 100 years. Rack Room Shoes operates more than 500 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands. Both brands offer a great variety of on-trend styles for women, men and children in athletic, comfort and dress categories, while providing a delightful and trusted shopping experience for our valued customers. Through Rack Room Shoes Gives, our ongoing philanthropic program, we provide ways in which customers and employees can seek support for charitable organizations, instilling trust and inspiration in the communities we serve.
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