Victoria’s Secret launches online marketplace focused on women-led brands

Victoria’s Secret & Co. is doubling down on its inclusion efforts.

The apparel retailer has launched VS& Co-Lab, a curated inclusive marketplace, as a new section on VictoriasSecret.com, which will showcase brands that align with its values of innovation and inclusivity, the company said. The launch features a collection of 19 brands, 75% of which are founded, owned or led by women.

Victoria’s Secret recently acquired a minority stake in two of the featured brands: For Love & Lemons and Frankies Bikinis. The retailer said the new marketplace is committed to investing further with minority ownership in diverse brands that offer a differentiated view of the marketplace, customer and category.

“In addition to the growth we are driving through our core business, we see important growth potential through partnerships with innovative, relevant brands that can help us extend our reach into category and consumer segments where we have historically been underrepresented,” said Martin Waters, CEO of Victoria’s Secret & Co. “We’re excited to launch this platform where we will showcase, market and create consumer engagement with such exciting, unique and relevant businesses.”

The new marketplace, which is keeping with Victoria’s Secret transformation efforts, will help even the playing field for unique brands, said Patti Cazzato, head of emerging businesses for Victoria’s Secret &Co.

“As one of the world’s most recognizable companies among women, and with nearly 90 percent of our store associates worldwide identifying as women, we have a responsibility to ensure women can advance and thrive in every aspect of their lives,” she added. “Through leveraging the strength of Victoria’s Secret & Co. and our passionate customer base, we are meeting consumers where they are while simultaneously partnering with small business to drive economic empowerment for women and people of color."

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