Image source:
Anthropologie
Image source:
West Elm

Anthropologie vs West Elm

What's the difference between Anthropologie and West Elm

Anthropologie is a unique lifestyle brand with a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, furniture, and home decor. They prioritize self-expression and cater to creative individuals who value personal style and thoughtful interior design. Anthropologie is part of the URBN portfolio and operates over 200 stores globally. West Elm, on the other hand, focuses on using design to make a positive impact on the environment and communities. They support sustainability initiatives through their product sales and prioritize ethical production practices. West Elm designs most of their products in-house and collaborates with artisan collectives worldwide to preserve traditional craftsmanship. In terms of certifications, Anthropologie has the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for some products, while West Elm holds multiple certifications such as GOTS Certified and FSC Certified for their products. When it comes to equitable labor programs, Anthropologie participates in Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program while West Elm is involved in Fair Trade USA Certified, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject, and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program. Anthropologie promotes various sustainable benefits for their products such as local sourcing, eco-friendly materials like reclaimed or recycled materials. They also use water-based finishes and promote water efficiency. On the other hand, West Elm does not make any specific claims regarding unverified sustainable benefits. In summary, Anthropologie emphasizes self-claimed sustainable features like local sourcing and eco-friendly materials for their products. In contrast, West Elm does not highlight any unverified sustainable benefits explicitly.

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

- Anthropologie offers a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty, furniture, home décor, garden, bridal, and more. - Anthropologie prioritizes self-expression and seeks inspiration from its creative-minded community. - Anthropologie's customers value personal style and take a thoughtful approach to interior décor. - West Elm focuses on sustainability initiatives and ethical production practices. - West Elm collaborates with artisan collectives around the world to preserve handcraft traditions and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Company Description

Anthropologie
Anthropologie is a global lifestyle retailer, part of the URBN portfolio, offering a unique selection of clothing, accessories, furniture, and home decor. With over 200 stores worldwide since its founding in 1992 in Pennsylvania, Anthropologie caters to creative individuals who prioritize self-expression and seek inspiration. Their customers value personal style over trends and appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability. Through partnerships with organizations like YoungArts and Nest, Anthropologie supports artists and artisans while championing diversity and inclusion. The retailer also prioritizes responsible sourcing practices and uses recycled materials in their products whenever possible. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Anthropologie continues to exceed customer expectations through unexpected experiences and high-quality offerings.
West Elm
West Elm is a home furnishings retailer that uses design to help the environment, communities, and customers. The company's products are 95% designed in-house, and 60% of sales support sustainability initiatives. West Elm is a leader in sustainability, supporting small American-made businesses and collaborating with artisan collectives around the world. Certified organic cotton bedding and bath towels are sustainably sourced, and wood furniture is sustainably sourced. Certified nontoxic furniture has been screened for over 100,000 chemicals and VOCs. Founded in 2002, West Elm is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY.

Differences at a Glance

Anthropologie

West Elm

Headquarters

Year Founded

Store Type

Product Type

Aesthetic

Parent Company

Welcome Discount

Price

Quality Level

Reviews on Website

Free Returns

White Glove Delivery

Product Warranty

Registry Available

Made-to-Order Items

Free Swatches

Designer Collaborations

In-House Design Services

Trade Program

Trade Discount

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1992

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Eclectic

URBN

None

$$$

Mid

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

Yes

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Brooklyn, New York

2002

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Mid-Century Modern

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

15%

$$

Mid

No

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Anthropologie participates in Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program, while West Elm is involved in several equitable labor programs. These include Fair Trade USA Certified, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject, and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program.
Image source:
Anthropologie
Image source:
West Elm

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Anthropologie

West Elm

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Not Specified

Yes

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Anthropologie
Anthropologie's sustainability mission is to be a force for good, focusing on environmental responsibility and social consciousness. They aim to conserve and minimize their environmental impact, partner with diverse communities, and source products with care. They promote waste reduction by recycling denim and reusing materials in-store displays. Additionally, they engage in charitable giving and support organizations such as YoungArts, Nest, and The Nature Conservancy. Anthropologie values diversity and inclusion and collaborates with talented artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. They prioritize responsible brands that prioritize sustainability in their production processes and follow ethical sourcing practices.
West Elm
West Elm is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company sources organic and sustainably sourced materials, such as FSC-certified wood, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Its products are certified nontoxic and free from harmful chemicals. West Elm also uses handcrafted and local materials, as well as contract grade, low-VOC, reclaimed, recycled, upcycled, water-based finishes, and water efficient materials. By doing so, the company has saved 2.3 billion liters of water in 2019 and kept 66 million plastic bottles out of landfills in 2020.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Anthropologie has the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for some of its products. West Elm, on the other hand, has multiple certifications for its products including GOTS Certified, FSC Certified, OCS Certified, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, Recycled Claims Standard, Greenguard Gold Certified, and REACH. It is important to note that these certifications apply only to some of their products and not to the retailers themselves.

Anthropologie

West Elm

FSC Certified

GOTS Certified

OCS Certified

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

EcoTex

Global Recycled Standard

Recycled Claims Standard

Greenguard Gold Certified

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold

REACH

Ecolable

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Anthropologie participates in Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program, while West Elm is involved in several equitable labor programs. These include Fair Trade USA Certified, Better Cotton Initiative, Craftmark, HERproject, and Nest's Ethical Handcraft Program.

Anthropologie

West Elm

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Contributor

Christi Farrell

Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.

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