In a conversation with CNBC Retail Reporter Lauren Thomas at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York City last week, Nancy Green, president and CEO of Old Navy, detailed how the apparel brand’s efforts to promote size inclusivity, both across its merchandise assortment and its marketing, is integral to its future growth strategy. Here are some highlights from their conversation.

Old Navy Promotes Size Inclusivity

Size inclusivity is bringing new customers into the brand and boosting lifetime value within that customer demographic, Green noted. To support this new customer, Old Navy is training store associates to better communicate with customers of all sizes. The brand has invested in hours of training for its store associates on how to present and discuss its product across multiple sizes and styles.

We’re welcoming all shoppers into our stores, with the goal of amplifying body positivity messaging, said Green.

Old Navy has made a concerted effort to represent all customer shapes and sizes in its marketing, working with Athleta and other partner Gap Inc. brands to supplement its campaigns.

“We’re always sharing learnings and best practices, while also recognizing that what might work for one brand might not work for another,” noted Green.

And size inclusivity doesn’t just pertain to Old Navy’s women customers. For example, Green told the audience that Old Navy’s men’s plus-size apparel will be extended online first, but will eventually be stocked in its stores as well.

“As a family brand, inclusivity is not just about our women’s biz,” Green said.

In addition to the customer experience, Green addressed how inclusivity is manifested in Old Navy’s employee experience, particularly new employees joining the brand.

“Inclusivity means by design that not everyone is the same,” Green said. “For us, when someone joins the company or brand, you don’t treat their onboarding experience exactly like everyone else. We’ve been about creating experiences and environments that people feel they can bring their full selves to work.”

Of course, when employees can bring their full selves to work and feel comfortable in their environment, they’re more productive. Interestingly, Green noted that the pandemic, which has forced many corporate employees into remote positions for the first time, has helped Old Navy in this regard.

She noted that the pandemic has provided a window into people how live their lives when working from home. That dynamic has helped Old Navy to foster an environment where people are comfortable expressing their full selves, inviting diverse perspectives. That approach extends to front-line store workers as well.

“For our store employees, we want to make sure that everyone can bring their full selves to work,” said Green. “Each store is different, but every one is managed and operated like a family unit. Listening and belonging and making people feel that they’re part of something that is bigger than themselves.”