More than 40% of women in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, with heart disease and stroke killing more women each year than all forms of cancer combined. To address this growing health crisis, major global retailers including Away, Commando, Lafayette 148, Michael Kors, Reebok, ShopSimon.com™, Summersalt, Torrid and White & Warren have launched the inaugural Go Red. Shop with Heart. campaign in partnership with the American Heart Association.
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 specific items. The campaign aims to raise both funds and awareness about cardiovascular disease's disproportionate impact on women. According to American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown, "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."
The initiative represents a significant collaboration between the retail industry and public health advocacy. American Heart Association volunteer board member Mindy Grossman noted that "Shop with Heart gives our industry a shared platform to lead with purpose and unite consumers in support of heart health." Additional marketing support comes from Berns & Co., with digital promotion from Mastercard, while Rokt will enable new donor acquisition through its e-commerce network.
The campaign's urgency is underscored by recent statistics from the American Heart Association 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, which reveals heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke as the fourth leading cause. Cardiovascular diseases claim more American lives annually than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined. Projections indicate at least 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease within the next 30 years, with related costs expected to triple.
Beyond the core participating brands, more than 40 other nationwide retailers across various industries are inviting customers to support the American Heart Association through the Association's Life Is Why™ campaign. The retail initiative coincides with American Heart Month and represents a practical approach to addressing a preventable health crisis, as approximately 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable through lifestyle changes such as following the Association's Life's Essential 8™ guidelines.
This retail-philanthropy partnership demonstrates how consumer spending can be directed toward critical health initiatives while raising awareness about women's cardiovascular health disparities. The campaign's success could establish a model for future industry collaborations addressing public health challenges through everyday consumer transactions.
