More than 4 in 10 women in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease or stroke, a figure expected to grow. Each year, heart disease and stroke kill more women than all forms of cancer combined. To help reverse that trend, leading global fashion, beauty, and lifestyle retailers joined American Heart Association volunteers at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell, launching the inaugural Go Red. Shop with Heart. campaign to raise funds and awareness of the growing burden of heart disease.
Brands participating in the campaign include Away, Commando, Lafayette 148, Michael Kors, Reebok, ShopSimon.com™, Summersalt, Torrid, and White & Warren, with additional marketing support provided by Berns & Co. and digital promotion from Mastercard. Rokt will also enable new donor acquisition through its e-commerce network. Throughout February, participating retailers will solicit donations to the American Heart Association during online or in-store checkout or donate a percentage of proceeds from the sale of specific items.
"Nearly 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular disease each year, yet women are still profoundly underrepresented in the clinical research, science, and medicine that could save their lives," said Nancy Brown, American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer. "Retailers and consumers are uniquely positioned to turn everyday moments into meaningful change through Go Red. Shop with Heart."
In addition to the brands supporting Go Red. Shop with Heart., more than 40 other nationwide retailers across a wide range of industries are also inviting customers to support the American Heart Association this February. Through the Association's Life Is Why™ campaign, shoppers can support the fight against America's number one killer by donating at checkout, in store and online. To learn more about the campaign and other participating companies, please visit https://www.heart.org/shopwithheart.
"Retail has always been a powerful connector," said American Heart Association volunteer board member Mindy Grossman, partner and vice chair of Consello and member of The DealmakeHers. "Shop with Heart gives our industry a shared platform to lead with purpose and unite consumers in support of heart health."
According to the newly released American Heart Association 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is the number four cause of death. Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined. Projections by the Association forecast that at least 6 in 10 U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease within the next 30 years and related costs are expected to triple.
Fortunately, approximately 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle changes such as following the Association's Life's Essential 8™, the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. This campaign represents a significant mobilization of the retail sector to address a critical public health issue, potentially influencing consumer behavior, increasing research funding, and shifting industry priorities toward health-conscious initiatives that could save countless lives.
