Going green has gone mainstream. That means retailers who aren’t now incorporating sustainability into their
Consider how your store impacts the environment. That includes your store design, whether you own the building or lease the space, and also your merchandise and daily operations. Then identify changes you can make that will improve your triple bottom line – economic, social and environmental goals:
You don’t have to tackle every idea at once. Start small with something that’s relatively easy and quick to implement. As it takes hold, you’ll build enthusiasm and momentum to do more.
Whether you’re a newly appointed “sustainability guru” within a large retail organization or a small shop owner with a couple of employees, getting active buy-in is paramount for success. Explain why you’re moving toward sustainable retail:
Get your customers involved. Sustainable store design and other efforts will build loyalty with existing customers and draw additional interest from prospective shoppers. It can improve their in-store experience, but why stop there? Get them even more excited by engaging them in the process. Ask customers for ideas on making your store design or merchandise greener. And offer loyalty program rewards for sustainable purchases.
Widely publicize your green initiatives, using your website, advertising, social media, blog, in-store signage and merchandise bag stuffers. Actively promote sustainable products by featuring them in displays and demonstrations.
Sustainable retail store design and operations practices are the wave of the future. If customers don’t see you as part of the solution, even your long-term customers may see you as out of touch. If you need more ideas, the Retail Industry Leaders Association promotes sustainability leadership by providing education, best practices and networking, all designed to help you devise solutions that will help your retail store as well as the environment.