Walmarts Dress Code

The thriving economy of the 21st century revolves around its ability to expedite professionalism. Image in commercialism becomes pragmatic in our visual driven choices. The single most powerful tool an employer possesses is the ability to unify their workforce under a single dress code. Wal-Mart has succeeded in creating the largest commercial enterprise in the modern world by reinforcing the standards of its brand; all while producing affordable supply, across multiple, everyday demands. I’ve chosen Wal-Mart’s dress code as a guideline because of their overwhelming work force, continued financial climb, and unique, easily recognizable brand. The uniform itself is more than a tool to help customers identify associates. It is a purpose driven

Included are hygiene, the condition of the uniform, how it should be worn, appropriate hair styles, and footwear. Versatility, quality, expense, trendiness, and usability are all qualities considered while developing a new uniform, or constructing an outline that will guide associates to promote professionalism. A company’s expectation of a standardized dress code may vary, but chiefly, it is to market its brand, promote safety, and enhance an employee’s versatility. Wal-Mart does this by outlining certain dress codes by department or managerial criteria. Areas of sales such as the front end are encouraged to have a conservative business casual look to represent the store itself, and to create a more inviting atmosphere. Management is encouraged to wear dress attire such as dress shoes, slacks, belts, ties, and dress shirts while on duty. They represent an authoritarian reliability that many consumers have come to rely on, whether it is domestic disputes, negotiating a return, or haggling an item priced wrong. Meanwhile, employees in less visible areas such as the back room may be more comfortable in black jeans and a T-shirt while they move heavy freight, operate powered lifting equipment, or manage inventory. Wal-Mart’s goal is that each zone will operate at maximum efficiency and invite the most consumer traffic to provide the largest

The company now allows jeans to be worn by more duty intensive areas such as the back room. Front end associates are still required to maintain a more business casual look by wearing khaki pants or black or khaki denim, conservative hair styles, and collared white or navy blue shirts. Admittedly, Brian Nick, a spokesman for Wal-Mart, broadcasted their dissatisfaction with the results that obliged the union over the store itself, yet as time would prove, certain measures would be honored and tailored to the convenience of the employees. The outcome was well received by the associates themselves, reducing any negative feedback from media outlets, customers, or otherwise. It allowed store associates to focus on the work at hand, rather than working in uncomfortable conditions that may have hindered