Fast Company’s latest “Brands That Matter” list recognizes companies in all industries leading the way on social action, sustainability, inclusivity and fun. Among the 165 businesses to make that roster are the following retailers and restaurant chains, followed by a brief blurb by FC on why each made the list.
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
The teen-focused apparel retailer meets its customers on emerging social media apps and supports their mental health.
LOWE’S
Taking the “home” in home improvement to heart, Lowe’s has invested millions in affordable housing and funded home repairs.
McDONALD’S
The fast-food giant’s “Thank You Crew” campaign celebrated U.S. employees, while Ronald McDonald House helped workers in Ukraine.
PETCO
By adding vet clinics to stores and encouraging employee education, Petco is positioning itself as more than a retailer.
POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN
Not ready to be a one-hit wonder, the chain unveiled its latest chicken sandwich with a sponsorship of designer LeQuan Smith’s Met Gala after-party.
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Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
