Steve Madden, Ltd.

Website

United States

Steve Madden, Ltd. is a designer and marketer of fashion footwear and accessories in the United States.

CCI Score

28.59

-0.02% April 18

Latest Event

Steve Madden Reduces China Production Amid Ethical Pressures

Steve Madden announced a significant change in its manufacturing strategy by planning to reduce production in China by 40%, up from an earlier 10% target. This shift is aimed at distancing the company from supply chains linked to forced labor practices and addressing growing ethical and geopolitical concerns related to Chinese manufacturing.

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DISSENTER

Steve Madden, Ltd. is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

JAN

25

2025

Steve Madden Reduces China Production Amid Ethical Pressures
80.00

Steve Madden announced a significant change in its manufacturing strategy by planning to reduce production in China by 40%, up from an earlier 10% target. This shift is aimed at distancing the company from supply chains linked to forced labor practices and addressing growing ethical and geopolitical concerns related to Chinese manufacturing.
NOV

08

2024

Supply Chain Diversification in Response to Trump Tariffs
57.41

On November 8, 2024, Steve Madden’s CEO, Ed Rosenfeld, disclosed during a conference call that the company has long been diversifying its supply chain away from China. This strategic move is intended to mitigate the impact of potential tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration, while also reducing exposure to risks associated with authoritarian supply chains.
+60

Supply Chain Ethics

March 24

Steve Madden has proactively reconfigured its supply chain by investing in production capabilities in Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil as a hedge against increased tariffs and potential instability from over-reliance on China. From an anti-fascist perspective, this diversification can be seen as a positive business practice, reducing the company's indirect complicity with authoritarian labor practices and human rights abuses associated with highly centralized, authoritarian production systems.

Everyone Is Buzzing About Trump’s China Tariffs: Here’s How Under Armour, Wolverine, Steve Madden and Tapestry Are Preparing for 2025
NOV

08

2024

Steve Madden shifts production to avoid Trump's tariffs
-24.45

Steve Madden, a $3 billion footwear company, announced that it would drastically reduce its Chinese production in favor of sourcing from Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, and others in order to avoid steep tariffs imposed by President-elect Donald Trump. This decision reflects a strategic move that prioritizes profit protection but raises ethical questions regarding labor standards and economic nationalism.
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 24

By quickly shifting its production away from China, Steve Madden not only avoided Trump's punitive tariffs but also continued its reliance on low-wage manufacturing in countries with less robust labor protections. This business practice prioritizes short‐term financial stability while sidestepping opportunities to invest in domestic production or enforce higher ethical standards, aligning with patterns that undermine responsible corporate behavior.

Steve Madden just drastically changed its business to avoid Trump's tariffs
-20

Economic and Structural Influence

March 24

The company’s decision to restructure its global supply chain away from China, opting instead for production in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil, indicates a broader economic and structural shift. This move avoids the intended protective measures for domestic industries and enables continued exploitation of cheaper labor markets, reinforcing economic imbalances that can indirectly support authoritarian trade policies.

Steve Madden just drastically changed its business to avoid Trump's tariffs
AUG

05

2020

Steve Madden CEO Champions Black Lives Matter and Voter Mobilization
47.13

Steve Madden's leadership, as highlighted in a Yahoo article from August 5, 2020, emphasizes corporate responsibility in championing human rights, social justice, and active civic engagement through initiatives such as closing corporate offices on Election Day to enable voting, supporting Black Lives Matter, and promoting CSR measures.
+80

Public and Political Behavior

March 24

The CEO's strong statements in support of Black Lives Matter and his proactive efforts to encourage voting and civic participation demonstrate a robust engagement in public and political behavior that resists authoritarian tendencies. These initiatives reflect an effort to promote social justice by aligning the company's actions with the rights and voices of marginalized groups.

Steve Madden CEO on Why Black Lives Matter Is Not Negotiable, and the Most Practical Business Solution For Leading in Uncertain Times
+70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 24

The establishment of a dedicated corporate social responsibility department and a CSR committee, along with the decision to close corporate offices on Election Day to encourage voting, highlights a commitment to ethical business practices. These actions emphasize the company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and socially responsible governance, countering trends that support authoritarian policies.

Steve Madden CEO on Why Black Lives Matter Is Not Negotiable, and the Most Practical Business Solution For Leading in Uncertain Times
JAN

01

2020

Steve Madden Political Contributions 2020
-5.89

In 2020, Steve Madden, Ltd. was recorded as making $6,100 in political contributions. While the contribution amount is relatively modest, any political donation can help facilitate access and influence over political entities, which according to anti‐fascist critiques may indirectly help support policies that compromise democratic accountability.
-10

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 24

The political contributions of $6,100 in 2020, while not a large sum, represent a channel through which corporate financial resources can be used to influence political processes. From a left-leaning perspective, even modest contributions may be seen as facilitating access and normalizing the role of corporate money in politics, potentially undermining democratic accountability and perpetuating systems that favor authoritarian policymaking.

$6,100 in Political Contributions for 2020
JAN

01

2010

CA Transparency Act - Steve Madden
17.31

Steve Madden has implemented robust supply chain policies and rigorous audit procedures to ensure that its suppliers prohibit the use of slave, forced, and child labor. This initiative supports compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act and promotes ethical sourcing practices.
+80

Supply Chain Ethics

March 24

Steve Madden has established comprehensive supply chain ethics through its Vendor Compliance Manual, frequent and rigorous audits, and strict contractual requirements for suppliers. These practices significantly reduce the risk of complicity in human rights abuses such as forced labor, aligning the company against authoritarian exploitation in its supply chains.

CA Transparency Act - Steve Madden