Supplier Diversity is a key business strategy implemented by Limited Brands in 2003. It is guided by our values “inclusion makes us stronger” and “it matters how we play the game.”  It is our belief that including diverse suppliers in our sourcing strategy adds value to our business.  Diverse suppliers are able to supply us with an extensive group of resources, niche expertise, innovative approaches to business and, oftentimes, an enhanced flexibility to help us achieve our goals.  This approach to sourcing provides us with a competitive advantage and creates long term growth for Limited Brands, while allowing us to invest in the economic success of businesses across the country, thereby developing stronger communities. Building and nurturing a strong commitment to the communities, where we live and work, has always been important to Limited Brands.

Suppliers interested in partnering with us through Supplier Diversity must be certified by a third-party as at least one of the following:

• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - Supplier must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by an ethnic minority (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American). Certification is available through the National Minority Supplier Development Council or other state and/or local entities.
• Women Business Enterprise (WBE) - Supplier must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a woman (regardless of ethnicity). Certification is available through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council or other state and/or local entities.
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - Supplier must be considered a small business according to federal Small Business Administration guidelines or guidelines established by the incorporating state. Certification is available through the Small Business Administration or other state and/or local entities.
• Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) - Supplier must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by an individual who is a U.S. veteran. Certification is available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or another third party organization.
• Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender Enterprise (LGBTE) - Supplier must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by an individual who is a member of the LGBT community. Certification

In addition to building direct relationships between Limited Brands and diverse business enterprises, we ask our primary suppliers to mirror our practices and work to increasing and report their use of diverse suppliers.

While Supplier Diversity seeks to ensure a level playing field in our procurement practices, the decision to award business to a diverse supplier lies with the owner of the sourcing process and is based on a supplier’s ability to provide the product or service that best meets our business requirements, at the best cost.

We want to emphasize our commitment to and the importance of Supplier Diversity at Limited Brands because “Inclusion Makes Us Stronger”.