Aritzia, a fashion brand known for its empathy, action, and innovation, has carved a unique space in the retail landscape. Their optimistic approach is clearly working, as evidenced by their continued success and growth. A significant part of this success story lies in Aritzia’s commitment to its community, exemplified by initiatives like the Aritzia Community Care Program.
Jennifer Wong, President and COO of Aritzia, has been instrumental in driving this community-focused approach. Under her leadership, Aritzia has not only navigated the challenges of recent years but has also strengthened its bond with its community through various impactful programs. From the successful “Women to the Power of Women” campaign for International Women’s Day to the launch of new stores and a thriving e-commerce strategy, Aritzia has consistently demonstrated its position as a leader in everyday luxury.
Aritzia’s journey from a Canadian retail operation to an international name is a testament to its strong values and strategic vision. Founded within the Hill family’s department store in Vancouver and evolving into standalone boutiques since 1984, Aritzia has always prioritized offering beautiful clothes, aspirational spaces, and exceptional service. Jennifer Wong, who started as a style advisor in 1987, has been a key figure in this growth, rising through the ranks to become President & COO.
Aritzia’s dedication to community is evident in several initiatives, notably the “Women to the Power of Women” campaign. Launched in March 2021, this capsule collection and campaign celebrated International Women’s Day by amplifying women’s voices. According to Wong, it was designed to drive forward the belief in gender equality and inclusivity. This initiative was unique as it featured Aritzia employees and donated 100% of its proceeds to Aritzia Community partner organizations. This campaign underscores Aritzia’s year-round commitment to women, which is also reflected in their leadership roles within the company, where women comprise 85% of the employee base and hold a significant majority of leadership and management positions.
Following this, Aritzia launched the “Cause Mom” collection for Mother’s Day, further demonstrating their commitment to giving back. This limited-edition collection collaborated with Cause We Care, a Vancouver-based foundation supporting single mothers and children in underprivileged communities. Featuring Canadian models and mothers, Tasha Tilberg and Janice Alida, the campaign highlighted Aritzia’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities.
However, the Aritzia Community Care Program stands out as a cornerstone of their give-back initiatives. Launched at the onset of the pandemic, Aritzia invested $10 million into this program, demonstrating a profound commitment to supporting communities during a critical time. A key component of the program involved gifting 10,000 custom clothing packages to frontline healthcare workers in the U.S. who were battling COVID-19. Partnering with Good360, a leader in product philanthropy, Aritzia also distributed Aritzia Community Relief Packages to those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
The Aritzia Community Care Program is rooted in the brand’s broader commitment to organizations that empower women and girls. It operates through three core pillars: poverty alleviation, mentorship, and job readiness. To date, Aritzia has contributed over $36 million through product donations, financial support, and volunteer hours to non-profits and Aritzia Community partners. This long-term commitment highlights Aritzia’s belief in making a tangible difference in the lives of women and their communities.
In addition to the Community Care Program, Aritzia established the Aritzia Community Relief Fund, which reached $20 million (Canadian dollars). This fund provided financial support to Aritzia employees affected by store closures during the pandemic. Jennifer Wong emphasized the importance of supporting their team during this challenging period, ensuring no layoffs or furloughs related to COVID-19. This commitment to their employees, alongside their community initiatives, showcases Aritzia’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility.
Aritzia’s strategic vision extends beyond community initiatives to include impressive growth in both physical and digital spaces. With 101 boutiques, including a recent opening in Honolulu, and innovative pop-up experiences like “Super World,” Aritzia continues to expand its physical footprint. Simultaneously, their e-commerce platform has experienced significant growth, especially during the pandemic, with revenue increasing by over 150% by May 2020. This robust online presence, coupled with a strong Instagram community of over 1.1 million followers, demonstrates Aritzia’s ability to connect with customers across multiple channels.
Furthermore, Aritzia has taken significant steps towards diversity and inclusion. Following the Black Lives Matter protests, the company invested $1 million to enhance its Diversity and Inclusion Program and established an Executive Diversity and Inclusion Committee led by Jennifer Wong. Actions include donations to Black Lives Matter and the NAACP, and mandatory training on systemic racism and social injustice for all employees. Aritzia recognizes this as an ongoing process and is committed to continuous learning and improvement in this critical area.
Looking to the future, Aritzia remains optimistic. Jennifer Wong’s leadership, combined with the brand’s dedication to community, innovation, and strategic growth, positions Aritzia for continued success. The Aritzia Community Care Program and other give-back initiatives are integral to the brand’s identity, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact. By prioritizing both its community and its customers, Aritzia is setting a new standard in the fashion retail industry.
