ADVOCACY NOW
Emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Involvement Figures to Increase in Sporting Goods Industry By Lizz McCrindle NSGA Marketing Coordinator In recent years, there has been an
Additionally, potential employees place value on working for businesses
increased focus and demand among con-
that place an emphasis on CSR. In recent years, this has become a
sumers for companies to demonstrate
differentiator for businesses landing top level talent.
and value corporate social responsibility (CSR). Whether it be environmental sustainability, revitalizing local communities, raising awareness about medical conditions such as cancer and autism, recognizing local teams and organizations for their successes or simply encouraging employees to take time away from work to give back to their communities, the public has come to expect the businesses they choose to engage in some form of CSR. The benefits of promoting CSR are not simply for optics. As demonstrated by the National Hockey League, it is possible to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk.” The NHL has taken a stance on environmental sustainably and the impact of climate change. However, the NHL has also expanded that effort to impact the local level, by helping small ice rinks move forward with environmentally friendly alternatives and guiding them in the process of using what the NHL has learned on the matter to make informed decisions. Customers have demonstrated they are willing to pay a premium or change past purchase behaviors to consume goods that are sustainable or that are supporting causes important to them. 12 | NSGA NOW ®
>> January / February 2020
Here is a look at a few examples of NSGA members in the sports industry who are involved in CSR and community involvement.
REI For five years in a row, REI has closed all its stores and has not processed any online payments on Black Friday. Instead, the company has encouraged all of its 13,000 employees to #optoutside with friends and family. However, this year under the leadership of new president & CEO Eric Artz, and with the increasing urgency for our global environmental crisis, REI asked its 13,000 employees and 18 million members to join the fight for life outdoors—and life on this planet. Employees and members were asked to “opt to act”—joining a nationwide cleanup effort this November to leave the outdoors better than they found it. REI also asked employees and members to sign up for an employee-sourced, 52-week action plan to take small steps throughout the year to reduce their environmental footprint. REI recently announced it will be expanding its rentals and used gear business. This serves two purposes, to give customers an alternative
