CHICAGO— The Housewares Charity Foundation is celebrating 20 years of raising funds for charity and uniting the housewares industry at its annual gala. Janet Hayes, president of Williams-Sonoma, who will receive the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, has had a long association with the retail industry and its charitable initiatives.
She joined Williams-Sonoma in October 2007 as svp/general merchandise manager, leading the Pottery Barn retail division. She was promoted to evp of Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen in 2008 and in 2010 became president of Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen. Prior experience included working with Macy’s, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Nike, Zoe Intimate Apparel and Sherman Retail Group.
“I have been in retail my whole life,” she told HOMEWORLD BUSINESS®. Hayes characterized working at Williams-Sonoma as “an incredible experience,” adding, “I have been able to take what I learned from every job and apply it to a company that is a multi-channel, customer centric business. This is one of the most exciting times in retail. There is a real demand from the customer for the industry to evolve. Knowing how and when the customer wants to shop is important. We know how to lead, and we know how to innovate.”
Hayes noted that retail has kept her in touch with larger social developments. “Quite possibly the greatest lesson I learned is about culture and values,” she said. “I believe in order to be your best, and give your best, you have to work in a culture you believe in. If your own values align with the values of the company you work for, then you feel a freedom to be fearless in what you do.”
Given the point of view she has professionally, it probably isn’t surprising that Hayes has become involved in charitable causes, with No Kid Hungry being conspicuous among them.
“Giving back has always been important to me, whether you are giving knowledge, time or a charitable donation. When I learned about No Kid Hungry, I was especially passionate about it because I realized that hunger is something that we can end. Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the parent company of Williams Sonoma, is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is revolutionizing treatment and cures for children who have cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We’ve supported this incredible nonprofit since 2005, raising $34 million across our family of brands,” she said.
Even before she signed on with Williams-Sonoma, children’s and other charities were part of Hayes’ professional life. “I served on the board of the Oregon Partnership, an organization striving to end alcohol and drug abuse and suicide among Oregon youth,” Hayes said. “I have always been attracted to causes that help women and children.”
Williams-Sonoma has focused on giving back throughout its history, Hayes said.
“Our founder, Chuck Williams, definitely paved the way for us with his own personal charitable giving. He set an example that inspired others to give back. We activated our entire fleet of 230 stores in the U.S. and updated our e-commerce site to collect donations. We also enlisted top celebrities, such as Jimmy Kimmel, and chef personalities like Ina Garten to design No Kid Hungry spatulas, and compete to sell the most,” she said.
In receiving the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, Hayes noted, “I am incredibly proud to be a part of the International Housewares Association because they support and commend charitable giving, making it a priority and call to action for everyone in the industry. I am very grateful and humbled by the recognition the Housewares Charity Foundation has given me and the Williams Sonoma brand. The opportunity to spread the word about this cause means a lot to me.”
