Skip to main content
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
  • Store
  • Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
SHRM
About
Book a Speaker
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Membership
  • Certification
    Certification

    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    Events & Education

    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    Community

    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Close
  • Membership
  • Certification
    back
    Certification
    Smiling asian student studying in library with laptop books doing online research for coursework, making notes for essay homework assignment, online education e-learning concept
    Get Certified!

    Be recognized as an HR leader with your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential.

    • How to Get Certified

      Demonstrate your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.

      • How to Get Certified
      • Eligibility Criteria
      • Exam Details and Fees
      • SHRM-CP
      • SHRM-SCP
      • Which Certification is Best for Me
      • Certification FAQs
    • Prepare for the Exam

      Give yourself the best chance to pass your SHRM certification exam.

      • Exam Preparation
      • SHRM BASK
      • SHRM Learning System
      • Instructor-Led Learning
      • Self-Study
      • Study Aids & Add-ons
    • Recertification

      Recertify your SHRM Credentials before your end date!

      • Specialty Credentials
      • Qualifications
  • Topics & Tools
    back
    Topics & Tools

    Stay up to date with workplace news and leverage our vast library of resources to streamline day-to-day HR tasks.

    The white house in washington, dc.
    Executive Order Impact Zone

    Do not abandon, but evaluate and evolve. It is about legal, equal opportunity for all.

    • News & Trends

      Follow breaking news and emerging workplace trends.

      Legal & Compliance

      Stay informed on workplace legal updates and their impacts.

      From the Workplace

      Explore diverse perspectives from your peers on today's workplaces.

      Flagships

      Get curated collections of podcasts, videos, articles, and more produced by SHRM.

    • HR Topics
      • AI in the Workplace
      • Civility at Work
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Inclusion & Diversity
      • Talent Acquisition
      • Workplace Technology
      • Workplace Violence Prevention
      SEE ALL
      SHRM Research
    • Tools & Samples

      Access member resources and tools to streamline HR tasks.

      • Forms & Checklists
      • How-To Guides
      • Interactive Tools
      • Job Descriptions
      • Policies
      • Toolkits
      SEE ALL
      Ask an Advisor
  • Events & Education
    back
    Events & Education
    SHRM25 in San Diego, June 29 - July 2, 2025
    Join us for SHRM25 in San Diego

    Register for the World’s Largest HR Conference being held on June 29 - July 2, 2025

    • Events
      • SHRM25
      • The AI+HI Project 2025
      • INCLUSION 2025
      • Talent 2026
      • Linkage Institute 2025
      SEE ALL
      Webinars
    • Educational Programs

      Designed and delivered by HR experts to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to drive lasting change in the workplace.

      Specialty Credentials

      Demonstrate targeted competence and enhance credibility among peers and employers.

      Qualifications

      Gain a deeper understanding and develop critical skills.

    • Team Training & Development

      Customized training programs unique to your organization’s needs.

  • Business Solutions
  • Advocacy
    back
    Advocacy

    Make your voice heard on public policy issues impacting the workplace.

    Advocacy
    SHRM's President & CEO testifies to Congress on "The State of American Education"
    • Policy Areas
      • Workforce Development
      • Workplace Inclusion
      • Workplace Flexibility & Leave
      • Workplace Governance
      • Workplace Health Care
      • Workplace Immigration
      State Affairs

      SHRM advances policy solutions in state legislatures nationwide.

      Global Policy

      SHRM is the go-to for global HR leaders and businesses on workplace matters.

    • Advocacy Team (A-Team)

      SHRM’s A-Team is a key member benefit, giving you the tools, insights, and opportunities to shape workplace policy and drive real impact.

      Take Action

      Urge lawmakers to support policies that create lasting, positive change.

      Advocacy & Legislative Resources

      Access SHRM’s curated policy materials and content.

    • SHRM-Led Coalitions
      • Generation Cares
      • The Section 127 Coalition
      • Learn More & Partner with SHRM Government Affairs
  • Community
    back
    Community
    Woman raising hand in group
    Find a SHRM Chapter

    Easily find a local professional or student chapter in your area.

    • Chapters

      Find local connections from over 607 chapters and state councils and create your personalized HR network.

      SHRM Connect

      Post polls, get crowdsourced answers to your questions and network with other HR professionals online.

      SHRM Northern California

      Join SHRM members in the greater San Francisco Bay area for local events and networking.

    • Membership Councils

      Learn about SHRM's five regional councils and the Membership Advisory Council (MAC).

      • Membership Advisory Council
      • Regional Councils
    • Volunteers

      Learn about volunteer opportunities with SHRM.

      • Volunteer Leader Resource Center
Join Today
Renew
Rejoin Now
Renew
  • Store
    • Global
    • India
    • MENA
  • About
  • Book a Speaker
  • Foundation
  • Executive network
  • CEO Circle
  • SHRM Business
  • Linkage Logo
SHRM
Sign In
  • Account
    • My Account
    • Logout
Close

  1. Topics & Tools
  2. Workplace News & Trends
  3. Inclusion & Diversity
  4. Abercrombie & Fitch's Diversity Journey
Share
  • Linked In
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.


Error message details.

Copy button
Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.


Learn More
News

Abercrombie & Fitch's Diversity Journey

August 2, 2011 | Pamela Babcock


​Corley.jpg​​​​
​ Todd Corley

NEW YORK—It wasn’t difficult spotting Todd Corley, chief diversity officer for clothier Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), at Working Mother Media’s 2011 Multicultural Women’s National Conference held here July 20, 2011.

In a sea of “suits” at a Times Square hotel, Corley was dressed nearly head to toe in Abercrombie, from his jeans and oxford shirt to his cardigan “letterman” sweater.

“If I go to an event where I’m representing A&F, I can’t wear a suit,” said Corley, a self-described “Gen Xer” who declined to disclose his age. “I’m sure it would raise eyebrows and the question, ‘Is that what you sell?’ ” To wear anything else to anything but a black-tie event “would be odd for me personally,” he added. “We all wear our products, every day.”

Abercrombie has long had a “look policy” that requires sales associates—called “models”—to dress in clothes consistent with the ones sold in its stores and to adhere to an appearance code. In 2004, after the company settled a $50 million class-action lawsuit from former employees who claimed race, national origin and gender discrimination, the company agreed to institute a range of policies and programs to promote diversity.

Yet as recently as July 15, 2011, the company made headlines again, as SHRM reported previously, when the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced that a federal judge in Tulsa, Okla., ruled that Abercrombie committed religious discrimination for refusing to hire a Muslim teenager in 2008 because she was wearing a hijab, or religious headscarf.

Although Corley declined to comment on the case, he said the company’s diversity initiative has mechanisms to create new policies and tweak old ones. The company’s Look Policy Committee meets regularly and works to make sure the policy’s statements “are mindful of differences, whatever they are,” Corley said.

When the company started seeing a “large increase in applicants from different racial and ethnic backgrounds,” it revisited some of the policy’s language.

Over the years, Corley said, the challenge has been “making sure that we are true to our brand because people expect a consistent shopping experience regardless of where our store is located.” But, he added, “that trueness cannot override our awareness that there are differences.

“We don’t believe that there are things that we are doing that are discriminatory or inappropriate because that is not our intent,” he continued. “So if there are things that are misunderstood or that we could do differently, there are measures and processes in place to keep up with that.”

From Finance to Diversity

Corley was born in Hempstead, N.Y., on Long Island, received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., and was an INROADS intern working in finance with United Technologies’ Carrier Corp. while in college. He went on to get an MBA from Georgetown University’s The McDonough School of Business, then spent six years as a senior consultant and area leader in Towers Perrin’s Global Diversity and Change Management Practice in Manhattan.

Corley later worked for two years as senior manager of diversity for Starwood Hotels & Resorts before joining Abercrombie in 2004 as its first corporate officer in charge of diversity and inclusion. “They said, ‘We want to create a diversity office—and you’re the person for the job,’ ” Corley recalled.

Building a Strategy

Corley’s first step was to develop a strategy around diversity. “We didn’t have a common language of what it meant, and there wasn’t an awareness of how it impacted business,” Corley said.

“Since day one … it was an intense pursuit to make sure people got it,” Corley said. “And I haven’t let up on it.” He added that he gets plenty of support from Chairman and CEO Michael S. Jeffries, to whom he reports. “[Jeffries] says to me annually, ‘Don’t take your foot off the pedal. Keep pushing this work because it’s important to us.’ ”

The company has made significant strides. Its diversity and inclusion program now focuses on six key drivers, he explained: employee engagement, communication, training and education, measurement and accountability, leadership commitment, and policy integration

Abercrombie’s executive diversity council consists of senior vice presidents and above from a cross section of business units. In 2010, Abercrombie created a diversity council of district managers and recruiters to oversee implementation of the diversity strategy in stores, while a council of HR leaders and line managers concentrates on the company’s distribution facilities.

Corley said the company has seen marked improvement in the diversity of in-store staff. In 2004, fewer than 10 percent of employees at its 800 stores were people of color. In 2011, Abercrombie had 1,100-plus stores, and more than 53 percent of its store associates are people of color, he said. And the in-store percentage of nonwhite “models” has quadrupled.

“When you walk into an A&F store now, you’re much more likely to see people who are racially and ethnically different than yourself,” Corley said.

Soon after the 2004 lawsuit settlement, Abercrombie installed kiosks in stores companywide to track job applications and monitor hire rates. The company forged several partnerships to reach a larger audience of potential hires. The National Society of High School Scholars runs the Abercrombie & Fitch Global Diversity Scholarship Program to recognize student leaders globally who advance diversity and equality.

Building relationships on college campuses with high percentages of students of color is critical, according to Corley. In 2010, ahead of a store opening in Hampton, Va., near Hampton University, a historically black institution, Abercrombie recruiters hosted a reception for student leaders and the university president to introduce the brand and talk about job opportunities.

Internally, the company hosts a biannual Diversity Week and an annual Diversity Champion Program—a four-month, metrics-based contest during which the company works to uncover true diversity champions. Hiring statistics, rankings on inclusion surveys and a blind vote are part of the program, Corley explained.

Staff and Management Style

Corley has a staff of nearly 40 people, the majority of whom are recruiters for stores. “When I came to A&F, there was buy-in that I would oversee the recruiting side of the stores’ organization because it would give me line of sight into how we could emphasize diversity in recruiting,” Corley explained.

His staff includes two senior managers of diversity, one focused largely on stores and the other focused on the home office and distribution center; a director of recruiting who oversees recruiters domestically and internationally on the store side; and a specialist who tracks metrics and is working to create a supplier diversity program.

Corley said he is candid about feedback. “If I really believe you’re falling short on something, you’re going to know from me. You’re not going to hear about it from somebody else,” Corley said.

“At the end of the day, I get a lot of inspiration from people who may be right out of college,” Corley said, “because, for me, the notion of being a diversity practitioner is being inclusive in everything that you do and everything that you manage.”

Corley describes himself as involved, fair and visionary: “I like big-picture stuff,” he said, such as considering how to implement the strategy outside the U.S., where expansion is under way. “We’re trying to get the conversation abroad started around diversity and what it means in relevant terms,” he explained. “Even by country, it looks different.”

To educate employees domestically and internationally, the company launched Building CulturalDexterity, a training program that teaches participants how to lead across cultural differences, filter business decisions through different value lenses and respond to expectations from people who might have grown up with different experiences.

Looking Ahead

Corley said that if you ask anyone in Abercrombie’s stores what diversity means, he would be surprised “if you found anybody who didn’t say that it has had a positive impact on them and how they look at the world around them.”

And that’s what keeps Corley going: “It’s about creating a sense of expectations that this is about how the society that we live in should be. I don’t look at this as work. I look at it as paying it forward, if you will.”

Pamela Babcock is a freelance writer based in the New York City area.

Global Mindset
HR Careers
Inclusion and Diversity
Organizational & Employee Development

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

​An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.



Related Content

Kelly Dobbs Bunting speaks onstage at SHRM24
(opens in a new tab)
News
Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

(opens in a new tab)
News
A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

(opens in a new tab)
News
How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest HR news, trends, and expert advice each business day.

Success title

Success caption

Manage Subscriptions
  • About SHRM
  • Careers at SHRM
  • Press Room
  • Contact SHRM
  • Book a SHRM Executive Speaker
  • Advertise with Us
  • Partner with Us
  • Copyright & Permissions
  • Post a Job
  • Find an HR Job
Follow Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • SHRM Newsletters
  • Ask An Advisor

© 2025 SHRM. All Rights Reserved

SHRM provides content as a service to its readers and members. It does not offer legal advice, and cannot guarantee the accuracy or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Disclaimer


  1. Privacy Policy

  2. Terms of Use

  3. Accessibility

Join SHRM for Exclusive Access to Member Content

SHRM Members enjoy unlimited access to articles and exclusive member resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Limit Reached

Get unlimited access to articles and member-exclusive resources.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join to access unlimited articles and member-only resources.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join the Executive Network and enjoy unlimited content.

Already a member?
Free Article
Exclusive Executive-Level Content

This content is for the SHRM Executive Network and Executive Content Subscription members only.

You've reached the limit of 1 free article this month. Join and enjoy unlimited access to SHRM Executive Network Content.

Already a member?
Unlock Your Career with SHRM Membership

Please enjoy this free resource! Join SHRM for unlimited access to exclusive articles and tools.

Already a member?

Your membership is almost expired! Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew now

Your membership has expired. Renew today for unlimited access to member content.

Renew Now

Your Executive Network membership is nearing its expiration. Renew now to maintain access.

Renew Now

Your membership has expired. Renew your Executive Network benefits today.

Renew Now