Is Home Depot secretly changing its policies like Walmart? The policy shift that’s sparking major shopper backlash
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If you’ve shopped at Home Depot lately, you may have noticed something missing—not from the shelves, but from the company’s values.
In a move that’s left many longtime customers scratching their heads (and some vowing never to return), Home Depot has quietly removed one of its policies from its website.
The change, which mirrors similar moves by retail giants Walmart and Target, has ignited a firestorm of debate and left many wondering: What’s really going on behind the scenes at America’s biggest retailers?
A Quiet Policy Rollback—What Changed?
For years, Home Depot proudly displayed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on its website.
The now-vanished Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) page read: “We strive to ensure that our company culture maintains a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment so that we can attract and retain the best employees, amplify their unique experiences and ideas, and strengthen the communities where we operate.”
But sometime around March 28, 2024, that page disappeared. In its place? A new section called “Living Values,” featuring a page titled “WeAreTHD.”
While this new page still talks about a welcoming culture and the importance of associates, it notably omits any direct mention of diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Also read: Is McDonald’s turning its back on diversity? See the surprising changes they’re making!
A Home Depot spokesperson told Retail Brew, “We’re proud to have a culture that welcomes everyone, and we believe it helps us achieve our business goals… We remain committed to our core values and the needs of our business, empowering associates, driving innovation, and enriching our communities.”
Why Are Retailers Backing Away from DEI?
Home Depot isn’t alone. Walmart and Target have also quietly removed or rebranded their DEI statements and programs. This trend comes amid a broader national debate about the role of DEI in business and government.
President Donald Trump has publicly called for the elimination of DEI programs, promising to “terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government” if re-elected to “restore fairness” to the workplace.
Source: CNBC Television / Youtube.
For some companies, the decision to step back from DEI language may be a response to political pressure, shifting public opinion, or concerns about alienating certain customer groups.
Others argue it’s simply a matter of updating corporate messaging to focus on broader values.
Also read: A massive Amazon boycott is taking place—Why is it happening?
How Are Shoppers Reacting?
The response from customers has been swift and passionate. Social media is filled with comments from shoppers who feel betrayed by the change.
Some have announced plans to boycott Home Depot, Walmart, and Target, accusing the companies of abandoning important commitments to fairness and inclusion.
“Funny enough, those stores are all on my boycott list for enabling him, attacking DEI, and forcing so many of their workers to depend on food stamps,” one user wrote on social media Another added, “No money from me or mine.”
Others, however, see the move as a return to focusing on business fundamentals and serving all customers equally, without what they view as divisive language.
"Historic times! I never would have expected Walmart to abandon DEI practices," one social media user wrote about the company removing its policy.
Read next: The power of the purse: What’s happening with Nestlé, Target, and Amazon?
What do you think about Home Depot’s decision to remove its DEI policy? Does it change how you feel about shopping there? Have you noticed similar changes at other stores you frequent? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
In a move that’s left many longtime customers scratching their heads (and some vowing never to return), Home Depot has quietly removed one of its policies from its website.
The change, which mirrors similar moves by retail giants Walmart and Target, has ignited a firestorm of debate and left many wondering: What’s really going on behind the scenes at America’s biggest retailers?
A Quiet Policy Rollback—What Changed?
For years, Home Depot proudly displayed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on its website.
The now-vanished Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) page read: “We strive to ensure that our company culture maintains a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment so that we can attract and retain the best employees, amplify their unique experiences and ideas, and strengthen the communities where we operate.”
Home Depot has quietly removed its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy from its website, following similar moves by major retailers like Walmart and Target. Image source: Marques Thomas / Unsplash.
But sometime around March 28, 2024, that page disappeared. In its place? A new section called “Living Values,” featuring a page titled “WeAreTHD.”
While this new page still talks about a welcoming culture and the importance of associates, it notably omits any direct mention of diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Also read: Is McDonald’s turning its back on diversity? See the surprising changes they’re making!
A Home Depot spokesperson told Retail Brew, “We’re proud to have a culture that welcomes everyone, and we believe it helps us achieve our business goals… We remain committed to our core values and the needs of our business, empowering associates, driving innovation, and enriching our communities.”
Why Are Retailers Backing Away from DEI?
Home Depot isn’t alone. Walmart and Target have also quietly removed or rebranded their DEI statements and programs. This trend comes amid a broader national debate about the role of DEI in business and government.
President Donald Trump has publicly called for the elimination of DEI programs, promising to “terminate every diversity, equity, and inclusion program across the entire federal government” if re-elected to “restore fairness” to the workplace.
Source: CNBC Television / Youtube.
For some companies, the decision to step back from DEI language may be a response to political pressure, shifting public opinion, or concerns about alienating certain customer groups.
Others argue it’s simply a matter of updating corporate messaging to focus on broader values.
Also read: A massive Amazon boycott is taking place—Why is it happening?
How Are Shoppers Reacting?
The response from customers has been swift and passionate. Social media is filled with comments from shoppers who feel betrayed by the change.
Some have announced plans to boycott Home Depot, Walmart, and Target, accusing the companies of abandoning important commitments to fairness and inclusion.
Real-time website feature of The Home Depot on their previous DEI page. Image source: The Home Depot.
“Funny enough, those stores are all on my boycott list for enabling him, attacking DEI, and forcing so many of their workers to depend on food stamps,” one user wrote on social media Another added, “No money from me or mine.”
Others, however, see the move as a return to focusing on business fundamentals and serving all customers equally, without what they view as divisive language.
"Historic times! I never would have expected Walmart to abandon DEI practices," one social media user wrote about the company removing its policy.
Read next: The power of the purse: What’s happening with Nestlé, Target, and Amazon?
What do you think about Home Depot’s decision to remove its DEI policy? Does it change how you feel about shopping there? Have you noticed similar changes at other stores you frequent? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, but please remember to remain respectful.
