Merchandise for corporate gifting programs can carry meaning far beyond rewards and recognition, especially when they’re responsibly sourced.
Responsible sourcing and corporate gifting don’t often pair in people’s minds. But for Caesars Entertainment, the merchandise it procures for everything from internal employee rewards programs to client gifts to items on their properties’ retail shelves must be more than just branded, high-quality memorabilia.
To add meaning to merch, the hospitality giant goes to great lengths to ensure that the products are sustainable and responsibly sourced.
The end goal, according to Matt Miele, Senior Vice President of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing and David Schulte, Vice President Procurement, both with Caesars Entertainment, is to collaborate with and support merchandise vendors that have a social mission, high sustainability standards, and ultimately will partner with Caesars Entertainment to work toward making the world a better place. This insistence on responsible sourcing of merchandise is in line with the company’s commitment to achieving rigorous corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, as outlined in a recent CSR Report.
As Miele and Schulte said, “This holistic approach not only enhances guest experiences but also contributes to meaningful societal change.”
Prevue recently caught up with these Caesars Entertainment execs to learn more about how the company incorporates responsible sourcing into its merchandising operations.
Prevue: What criteria do you consider to ensure your merchandise is responsibly sourced?
Miele and Schulte: Caesars Entertainment places a high emphasis on responsible sourcing, considering criteria such as owner identity, sustainability and social impact. The recent collaboration with Sudara, a certified B Corp nonprofit organization combating human trafficking, exemplifies this commitment. [Sudara was founded by Shannon Keith to create lasting impact for survivors and those at high risk of sex trafficking by empowering women in India with job training and employment opportunities.]
During the recent [Professional Convention Management Association] PCMA Convening Leaders Conference, Caesars Entertainment provides pareos (recycled sarongs) which were so popular PCMA attendees waited in line to receive them. The focus on supporting programs providing employment opportunities for women to escape or avoid the sex trade aligns with Caesars Entertainment’s dedication to responsible sourcing.
Prevue: What other considerations are important when you’re looking for new vendors?
Miele and Schulte: When seeking new vendors, considerations extend beyond product price, quality and service. Caesars Entertainment evaluates potential partners based on their social impact, aligning with initiatives such as supporting Certified B Corporations, women-owned companies, minority-owned businesses and aiding veterans, among others. The successful collaboration with King Fragrance, addressing veterans’ homelessness, highlights the importance of vendors contributing to broader societal causes. [King Fragrances, a veteran-owned company, created a luxury fragrance line to support the eradication of veteran homelessness.]
Prevue: Are there any red flags that would make a vendor incompatible with Caesars corporate values?
Miele and Schulte: Caesars Entertainment looks for compatibility with corporate values, and red flags would include vendors whose practices conflict with ethical standards. The emphasis on supporting causes like combating human trafficking and aiding veterans reflects Caesars Entertainment’s commitment to social responsibility.
The Caesars Entertainment teams positive reactions to the collaboration with Sudara and King Fragrance and the heartwarming attendee experiences further emphasize the success of these responsible sourcing initiatives.
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