The La-Z-Boy Incorporated Supplier Inclusion process ensures that businesses owned and operated by individuals from diverse and underrepresented populations receive all the information that they need to prepare themselves for a fair opportunity to become potential La-Z-Boy Incorporated suppliers.
Our vision is to make inclusion a component of every product we make.
The La-Z-Boy Supplier Inclusion process engages businesses owned by individuals from the following diverse populations:
Minorities
Women
Veterans
People living with disabilities
Businesses that are certified LGBTQ
CEO statement – supplier inclusion
For nearly 100 years, La-Z-Boy Incorporated has delivered quality and comfort to families around the world. As we build the La-Z-Boy of tomorrow, we are guided by our core values of curiosity, courage, and compassion, with a goal to make the world a better place.
Through our Supplier Inclusion Program, we aim to ensure inclusion is a part of every product we make with a supply chain that reflects the diversity of the consumers we serve. By championing supplier diversity, we can contribute to the growth of diverse and underrepresented companies and strengthen the communities where they are based. And, in turn, our consumers will benefit from La-Z-Boy Incorporated products integrating the best thinking and materials from around the world.
— Melinda D. Whittington, La-Z-Boy Incorporated President & CEO
Prequalification
For the diverse supplier, prequalification is often synonymous with disqualification. That is not the case at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. All suppliers undergo the same thorough vetting process to qualify as a potential supplier.
Designated suppliers receive an invitation to present directly to key La-Z-Boy stakeholders and decision makers. La-Z-Boy Incorporated team members are then able to learn more about supplier capabilities and qualifications. After the supplier presentation, we will assess the information and provide feedback to the supplier. Suppliers deemed to be “qualified” receive invitations to future bids or proposal requests. Potential suppliers may continue their relationship with La-Z-Boy for further development.
The Supplier Inclusion Program takes a proactive approach to identify diverse vendors for inclusion in future procurement opportunities. For new suppliers, we strive to familiarize, prequalify, and build relationships so that diverse suppliers have a fair opportunity to bid on La-Z-Boy Incorporated business.
Supplier inclusion mission statement
Why La-Z-Boy Supplier Inclusion and Diversity exists.
La-Z-Boy Incorporated Values: Curiosity; Courage; and Compassion
Our compassion compels us to care about those who do not typically get invited to the table of opportunity but deserve to demonstrate what they can do. Our curiosity drives us to seek quality suppliers, regardless of ownership structure or background, that can help us remain at the forefront of our industry. Our courage empowers us to lead as Supplier Diversity change agents and make bold and inclusive sourcing decisions.
La-Z-Boy supplier inclusion policy statement
At La-Z-Boy, we make inclusivity a cultural norm and strongly believe in the powerful, positive impact this has on our business practices, external partners, and our employees. Staying true to our values is why we ensure that traditionally underutilized, diverse businesses are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our sourcing and procurement processes.
At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we will:
engage La-Z-Boy departments and all stakeholders in the supplier inclusion process.
intentionally seek and prequalify diverse businesses as potential suppliers.
make every attempt to include qualified, diverse businesses in every purchasing opportunity over a particular spend threshold.
actively highlight internally and externally our supplier partnerships and success stories.
Tier II supplier inclusion
La-Z-Boy also encourages its top suppliers to foster inclusivity by implementing their own supplier diversity process and reporting the results to La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s Procurement Department. We strive for all businesses to have equal opportunities to work with us directly or indirectly.
Suppliers who reach a specific sales threshold with La-Z-Boy are required to report their diversity numbers quarterly.
S.I.T. with La-Z-Boy: supplier inclusion testimonials
La-Z-Boy’s S.I.T. interviews are introductions to some of our diverse businesses. During these interview sessions, suppliers offer opinions on the value of supplier diversity, where they see areas for improvement, discuss their experiences with La-Z-Boy Incorporated, and share their hopes and plans for growth.
