Brett began his merchandising career at J. C. Penney and May Company. He was merchandise manager of the Anthropologie Home brand from 2003–2007. Danielle Sacks of
Fast Company credited him with doubling sales by introducting a variety of international artisanal items. Following Anthropologie, Brett became the chief merchandising officer for Urban Outfitters. Up to January 31, 2016, uring his tenure as president, West Elm reported double-digit revenue growth in 24 consecutive quarters. He also committed West Elm through the
Clinton Global Initiative to pay $35 million through 2015 to artisans in 15 countries. In 2015, Brett expanded West Elm into contract furniture for offices through a new line of office furnishings called West Elm Workspace with a "residential aesthetic". Brett said in 2015 that by 2017, 20% of West Elm's goods would have a Fair Trade USA certification, increasing to 40% by 2019. In 2016, Brett said that West Elm was entering into the
boutique hotel business, with locations in
Detroit and
Savannah, Georgia. opening in late 2018, followed by locations in
Indianapolis,
Minneapolis, and
Charlotte, North Carolina. Brett, who is a gay-rights advocate, said he had "misgivings" about opening a hotel in
North Carolina after the state passed its
Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, which eliminates anti-discrimination protections for
lesbian,
gay,
bisexual,
transgender, and
genderqueer (LGBTQ) people in public accommodations and mandates that persons in government buildings are only allowed to
use restrooms and changing facilities that correspond to the sex identified on their birth certificate. However, he said he ultimately decided that "the best way to effect change is to be there and be part of that change". == Non-profit activities ==