*The collaboration between Buy From a Black Woman (BFABW) and H&M has ended, marking the conclusion of a partnership that aimed to support Black women entrepreneurs.
Founded in 2016, BFABW has provided educational resources, funding, and an online directory to help Black women-owned businesses thrive. H&M joined forces with the nonprofit in 2020, contributing nearly $1 million and hosting events to elevate Black-owned brands, per WWD.
BFABW founder Nikki Porcher cited H&M’s decision to scale down a signature event as a key turning point in their relationship. According to Porcher, she officially severed ties with H&M on Wednesday after learning in a February group call that the International Women’s Day event, a staple of their partnership, would not take place this year. Instead, H&M proposed a smaller denim-themed activation on March 19, which Porcher felt was a shift in priorities. Porcher explained that her previous H&M events featured Black-owned vendors alongside H&M fashion pieces “as a way to bring it together. But nothing about this partnership was about focusing on H&M’s fashion,” she said.
After questioning why the event change was not communicated directly, Porcher expressed concerns about the focus shifting towards H&M’s fashion rather than Black-owned businesses. She also criticized the decision to hold the activation on a weekday, noting that many women in her community juggle jobs and family obligations.
Porcher paused communicating with H&M for 12 days and sought legal consultations before both parties agreed that their contract was not “salvageable.” However, she initially refused a termination proposal that she claimed offered no compensation while still allowing H&M to run BFABW programs. A revised agreement was eventually reached, preventing either side from pursuing legal action.
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In a statement issued by an H&M spokesperson, the company said it is “incredibly proud” of the accomplishments achieved through the partnership.
“In addition to an investment of nearly $1 million dollars to support the organization, we were also able to produce and host dozens of events that highlighted and created meaningful impact for Black women-owned businesses throughout the country,” the statement read. “While it was not H&M’s decision to end the partnership, we wish Buy From A Black Woman the very best in their future endeavors as they embark in a new direction. H&M’s commitment to partnerships and programs highlighting inclusion and diversity remains unchanged, and we look forward to developing these in exciting new directions.”
H&M, in a follow-up statement, refuted Porcher’s depiction of events, maintaining that the proposed March activation was meant to amplify BFABW rather than replace previous initiatives. The retailer also denied any unfairness in contract negotiations, asserting that they had offered a fair payment beyond the pro rata value.
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