We’re in a unique position to extend our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to supplier diversity by building a vendor base that bring perspectives that reflect the vast diversity of our customer base. By providing opportunities to a broad and diverse group of suppliers – including businesses operated by women, racial/ethnic minorities, veterans, disabled or LGBTQ+ individuals – we invite different perspectives, experiences and ways of approaching solutions for our business and enhanced flexibility to help us achieve our business goals.
Integrating Diversity Throughout
The longstanding partnership between Bath & Body Works and Accel has been instrumental in Accel’s success over nearly three decades. As our first client, Bath & Body Works set high standards across all areas, including ESG, fostering a collaborative spirit that has driven innovation. We greatly appreciate Bath & Body Works’ long-standing focus on minority and women-owned businesses as well as their recognition of the importance of supplier diversity. We cherish our relationship beyond words.
– Tara Marling Abraham and David Abraham
Chairwoman and CEO of Accel Inc.
Supplier Diversity Certifications
Suppliers who share our values and are interested in partnering with us through our supplier diversity program must hold at least one of the following certifications as designated by the noted third parties:
Supplier must be at least 51% minority-owned and controlled (African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American). Certification is available through the National Minority Supplier Development Council or other state and/or local entities.
Supplier must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman or women. Certification is available through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council or other state and/or local entities.
Supplier must be at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are members of the LGBTQ community. Certification is available through the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Supplier must be at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are a U.S. veteran. Certification is available through the National Veterans Business Development Council, Disability:IN or a similar authorized third-party organization.
Supplier must be at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are a U.S. veteran. Certification is available through the National Veterans Business Development Council, the U.S. Small Business Administration or a similar authorized third-party organization.
Supplier must be at least 51% owned and controlled by an individual with a disability. Certification is available through the Disabilty:IN or other state and/or local entities.
Verifying Supplier Certifications
We require third-party certification to ensure the diverse businesses we partner with are owned and operated by minority, women, veterans, disabled and or LGBTQIA+ people. Additional benefits of diversity certification with a third-party organization include business and leadership education and business networking opportunities. Most certification programs are designed to strategically match diverse suppliers with buyers and decision makers. Matches are based on products and services that corporate representatives are interested in and/or procure regularly. In addition to building direct relationships between Bath & Body Works and diverse business enterprises, we ask our primary suppliers to mirror our practices and work to increase and report their use of diverse suppliers.
Driving Economic Development Through a Diverse Supplier Base
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us stronger, and it’s woven into all facets of our business. At Bath & Body Works, a diverse supplier base is a key element of how we put our...
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Register as a Prospective Supplier
We look forward to developing relationships with businesses that share our vision. While we seek to ensure a level playing field in our procurement practices, the decision to award business to a diverse supplier is based on a supplier’s ability to provide the product or service that best meets our business requirements.
To register your company with Bath & Body Works, visit our Diverse Supplier Registration Portal.
Additionally, we are members of national advocacy and business development organizations and use their supplier databases to locate prospective suppliers for new opportunities.
Develop an understanding of how your product and/or service fits into the strategy for Bath & Body Works. Don't forget to visit our stores, e-commerce site and view additional resources below.
How can Bath & Body Works gain market share with your product/service and/or maximize sales?
Demonstrate:
the advantages and benefits of using your product/service rather than a competitor’s similar product/service.
how your product/service will save money.
how your product/service will increase speed, accuracy and/or quality.
Growth: Address future growth, how you will grow your product/service.
Competition: Include your direct and indirect competition.
Related Services: Determine whether your product/service impacts other related services or products in our company and, if so, how.
Provide a history of your proven successful projects and financial stability.
Align your business objectives with Bath & Body Works’ needs.
Additional Helpful Resources
The following reports and recaps can help you better understand our company and our vision for the future.