Culture at The Container Store
At The Container Store, our culture is built on fundamental business philosophies that prioritize respect, dignity, and integrity—not just for our employees, but also for our customers, vendor partners, shareholders, and the communities we serve.
Guided by our seven Foundation Principles®, our culture enriches the lives of everyone connected to our business, creating an environment brimming with opportunity and belonging.
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone—regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or religious affiliation—has an equal opportunity to thrive. Our vision is to be a company that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve—where every individual feels valued, empowered, and included.
Our Approach to An Inclusive Culture
When we developed our strategy to strengthen our culture in 2020, we focused on four guiding pillars:
· Education & Awareness
· Leadership Accountability & Engagement
· Talent Acquisition & Management
· Responsiveness to Employee Concerns
After years of meaningful progress, we’ve evolved and refined these pillars into three core guiding principles:
Our Employee Resource & Interest Groups (ERGs) provide spaces for employees to connect, celebrate diverse cultures, and learn from each other. These groups also lead community outreach initiatives, helping identify causes and organizations we can support.
Recognition & Appreciation
We believe exceptional customer service begins and ends with exceptional regard for our people. That’s what TCS Appreciates is all about. Whether recognizing years of service, day-to-day accomplishments, or above-and-beyond results, we celebrate the individuals and teams who are at the core of our success.
Supplier Diversity & Inclusive Partnerships
Our commitment to equity and inclusion extends beyond our workforce. We actively seek opportunities to connect with small and diverse-owned businesses through our Supplier Diversity Program.
We define diversity across three dimensions: sustainable and socially conscious, owned and operated by underrepresented or historically marginalized groups, and small businesses.
Brand Ambassadors & Influencers
Since 2018 our Brand Ambassador and Influencer Programs have consisted of diverse, socially active creators across the United States. Our partners have included men, women, parents, grandparents, students, working professionals, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, united in their journey to get organized and share their space transformations.
Community Engagement & Philanthropy
At The Container Store, we believe in the transformative power of organized spaces, knowing that they enhance quality of life. This belief drives our TCS Gives Back Program, with a focus on healthy brains and healthy hearts.
For over a decade, we’ve proudly supported the Center for BrainHealth, contributing over $1.3 million to vital research and programs. Recognizing the connection between brain health and cardiovascular health, we selected the American Heart Association as our 2024-2025 national nonprofit partner by joining their Life Is Why™ cause marketing campaign to inspire everyone to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives.
Employee Programs
The Container Store’s Employee First Fund, established in 2013, provides grants to employees that are experiencing unforeseen financial hardship due to a major medical situation, a catastrophic event, or other grave challenges. A company contribution set up the Fund, and employee contributions and other company stakeholders provide financial support to the Fund today. To date, The Container Store’s Employee First Fund has awarded more than $1 million in grants to employees in need.
The Employee First Fund is recognized as a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Our Approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
At The Container Store, we are committed to doing our part to contribute to the well-being of our customers, communities, and the environment. This affects everything we do from daily operations at our stores, headquarters, and distribution centers to the vendors we work with and the products we offer.
Read more about our ESG efforts in our annual Sustainability Report:
2023 Sustainability Report
2022 Sustainability Report
2021 Sustainability Report
Our Commitment to Sustainability
As a company that cares deeply about our impact on people and the planet, we are dedicated to searching the world over to bring our customers sustainable products. These offerings include those made from easily renewable or recycled resources, those that are easily recycled or composted, or those that promote the health of our environment and homes. We’re proud to make a difference through our commitment to sustainability, and will continue to evaluate our suppliers, materials, and sustainability practices to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our environment.
Our Environmental Policy
The Container Store is passionate about the environment and is fully committed to reducing the overall environmental footprint of our operations. We are focused on what matters most to our customers, employees, communities, shareholders, and the preservation of our planet.
For more details about our commitment, see our Human Rights Policy
Our Commitment to Health & Safety
Promoting a healthy environment at work and in the world is something that takes commitment from us all. As an employee-first company, providing a safe and healthy workplace environment for all is of utmost importance–and that extends to the workplaces of our vendors.