THE RIPPLE EFFECT

How the Qurate Retail Group and World Vision partnership has created a chain reaction of impact in the last 10 years.

In the world of retail, the emphasis is often on transactions—the act of buying and selling. But what if the retail business could be something more? What if, while meeting consumer demand for quality products and generating profit, a company could have a ripple effect, helping children and families in need? This question has been at the heart of Qurate Retail Group’s (QRG) decade-long partnership with World Vision.

It began, as many initiatives do, with a small team and a big idea. Ten years ago, two QRG employees found themselves grappling with a dual challenge: improving warehouse efficiency and contributing meaningfully to the community. It was a practical problem, yet it also held the potential to create a chain reaction of impact. The solution they found was both practical and impactful—partnering with World Vision to repurpose surplus goods, extending product life cycle while helping vulnerable children and families.

Qurate Retail Group is a leading global retailer known for its multimedia commerce platforms, which include television networks, digital streaming services, and e-commerce websites. The company operates well-known brands such as QVC, HSN, and several others, reaching millions of customers worldwide. QRG is recognized for its innovative shopping experiences, blending entertainment with retail, and offering a wide range of products including fashion, home goods, electronics, and beauty items.

But they also take seriously a commitment to a more sustainable approach to retail that is intentionally inclusive, entrepreneurially driven, responsibly curated, and waste-smart. “We’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” reflects Suzanne Quigley, director of global corporate responsibility at Qurate Retail Group. “We do this through corporate philanthropy, product donations, team member giving, and volunteerism.”

Over the past decade, what started as a modest partnership with World Vision has grown into a powerful program for good. To date, Qurate Retail Group has donated 30,000 pallets of product, valued at $60 million, through World Vision. These donations have reached hundreds of thousands of people across 35 countries, helping communities in need with resources like clothing and household items. In the United States alone, QRG’s donations have touched lives in 29 states, offering hope and support to those who need it most.

But the impact of this partnership extends beyond the immediate benefits of the donated goods. It’s about more than just the number of pallets shipped or the dollar value of the products—though those numbers are impressive. It’s about the ripple effect that these donations create, the way they uplift communities and inspire further acts of generosity.

“Our entire team is extremely proud of our partnership with World Vision,” Suzanne says. “And we’re inspired to keep up the momentum of being a force for good in the world. Through our dedicated focus on community and social impact, our Global Impact team seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. Our partnership with World Vision is a perfect example of this commitment in action.”

In 2023 alone, World Vision distributed 4,262 pallets of QRG product to communities in need. This effort is just one facet of a broader strategy to use business as a catalyst for change. In addition to product donations, QRG also provided a monetary donation to World Vision’s Women’s Empowerment Fund. This initiative helps women overcome poverty and income inequality. It’s a way to equip women with the resources and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“Supporting these impactful programs helps fuel economic growth and empowerment on a global scale,” Suzanne explains. “It’s about creating opportunities and opening doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

Indeed, the Women’s Empowerment Fund is a powerful example of how targeted, strategic philanthropy can drive long-term change. By investing in women, who are often the backbone of their communities, QRG and World Vision are helping create a more equitable world—one where everyone has the chance to thrive. Qurate Retail Group has already contributed over $148 million to worthy causes since 2020. Even in the fast-paced retail industry, there’s room for a deep commitment to the greater good. And in a world where the challenges from poverty and inequality can feel insurmountable, the partnership between QRG and World Vision offers an open door of possibilities. It’s proof that when business and philanthropy come together with a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative.

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