Designer Brands Will Close Offices for Volunteer Day

The company will pause operations on October 2 to allow staff to participate in community service initiatives.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a garden shovel leaning against a wooden planter box, representing community service. — Designer Brands will close its corporate offices in Columbus on October 2, 2026, as 1,200 employees participate in a company-wide volunteer initiative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should companies provide paid time for employees to volunteer with local community organizations?

Designer Brands Inc. will close its corporate offices on October 2, 2026, for its second annual Step Up and Serve volunteer day. The company's 1,200 employees worldwide will engage in various charitable activities to put corporate values into action.

Why it matters

The program aims to strengthen connections between the firm's global workforce and support local nonprofits through hands-on service. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to community engagement and internal team building.

The DBI Foundation is contributing $73,400 to participating organizations, with grant amounts ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. Additionally, the company is providing $900 in DSW gift cards to Harlem Link Charter School.

The players

Designer Brands Inc.

This global company manages major footwear brands and employs 1,200 people worldwide.

The DBI Foundation.

This is the philanthropic arm of Designer Brands Inc. that manages charitable contributions and grant distribution.

Harlem Link Charter School.

This educational institution is a recipient of DSW gift cards provided by the company.

SuitUp.

This organization facilitates corporate volunteer programs that connect employees with students through business-case competitions.

The details

Employees will participate in activities including cleaning schoolyards, packing hygiene kits, and mentoring students, while remote workers will solve business cases virtually through SuitUp. The effort builds on last year's program, which saw staff log more than 1,000 volunteer hours.

October 2, 2026: Designer Brands Inc. closes offices for volunteer day.
October 9, 2026: International offices conduct volunteer work.

Market Landscape

This event reflects the broader industry movement toward structured corporate philanthropy as a pillar of organizational culture. By formalizing volunteer time, companies like Designer Brands Inc. distinguish their workplace experience in a competitive retail landscape.

The closure of corporate offices means that typical business operations and administrative support may be unavailable on October 2. Customers and partners should plan for potential delays in standard corporate communications during this one-day service event.

The takeaway

Companies increasingly use organized volunteer days to bridge the gap between corporate goals and social responsibility. Employees can benefit from these programs by gaining exposure to community needs while strengthening team dynamics.