Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability has moved from a niche consideration to a mainstream buying factor, and the data makes that clear. Data shows that 61 percent of consumers say sustainable packaging is now the top influence on whether they choose one brand over another. Additionally, three-quarters of consumers are willing to wait longer for an order if it…

Hanna Andersson launched its “Hanna-Me-Downs” peer-to-peer resale marketplace in 2023 to offer parents a sustainable way to exchange pre-loved Hanna pieces and extend the life of durable, stylish clothing. It has since become the No. 1 resold children’s brand in the U.S., reselling more than 160,000 items. In this video interview, Total Retail Editor-in-Chief Joe…

Recent macroeconomic pressures have had a sizeable impact on global trade, with a ripple effect on many industries, not least in retail. While the latest U.S. retail spending data shows positive signs of consumer resilience, the National Retail Federation predicts the combined impact of tariff uncertainty, inflation, and squeezed consumer spending will contribute to slower…

Stanley 1913, maker of the reusable stainless steel water bottle that burst onto the social media scene in 2022 and became a lifestyle accessory for millions, has announced customers can send their used cups and bottles back to the company for recycling and receive a credit for their next Stanley purchase. The Seattle-based company announced…

As Gen Z comes of age, they’re not just influencing what gets bought, they’re reshaping what happens post-purchase. Returns are key. Gen Z feels the most green guilt of any generation, with 43 percent expressing worry about the impact of excessive online shopping and returns. For this generation, return policies aren’t customer service features; they’re…

Instead of traditional reactive policies and trying to figure out how to reduce product returns​, learn smarter strategies that reduce costs, prevent abuse, improve customer experience, and enhance sustainability efforts. Return fraud is no longer an anomaly; it’s a persistent challenge baked into the e-commerce experience. As online shopping grows, so does the volume of…

Global material consumption has more than tripled since 1970. Amidst increased awareness of our environmental impact, many of us are striving to live more sustainably. We might have a recycling bin at home, drive secondhand cars or carry a reusable water bottle. We might buy pre-loved clothes or toys for our children or opt for…

Overstock costs retailers a staggering $562 billion every year, according to IHL Group. But in the world of tech retail, those shelves of unsold devices represent more than just wasted space; they’re a real opportunity to boost revenue and reduce e-waste. The need to keep electronics out of landfills is growing urgent. E-waste has surged…

Luxury fashion — defined by heritage, craftsmanship and exclusivity — is now under pressure to operate more sustainably. As global demand for environmental and social accountability rises, even the most storied fashion houses must evolve. But with that evolution comes risk: in going greener, luxury brands may be undermining the very mystique and material superiority…

With economic uncertainty, rising costs, and shifting regulations piling on, the pressure on retailers is only intensifying. Shoppers are thinking twice about every purchase. And sustainability? It can start to feel like just another box to check instead of the strategic lever it truly is. When done right, sustainability leads to smarter operations. Reducing waste,…