Environmental Sustainability

Most U.S. consumers (three out of five) now rank environmental sustainability as a top factor in their purchasing decisions, and that number jumps to 75 percent for Gen Z. However, while many online retailers are adopting eco-friendly production and sales practices, the post-purchase process remains a challenge to sustainability. Shoppers return between 15 percent and…

There's a unique joy to finding a pre-loved item that would have otherwise been out of reach. Whether thrifting or going through resale websites, these kinds of discoveries have always been delightful and help customers feel like they found something truly special. There was a time when making these discoveries meant braving the pages of…

This holiday season, Americans are looking to spread some cheer by spending on gifts, food and décor, and they’re increasingly choosing the most eco-friendly options available. Frequently dubbed “The Most Wasteful Time of Year,” the Christmas holiday has a well-documented effect on the environment. As waste left over from days of celebration breaks down in landfills, toxic…

A differentiated merchandise assortment is one of the top ways retailers can remain competitive in an economic downturn. Retailers that offer unique, exclusive or sustainable products become differentiated shopping destinations unto themselves. However, as consumers demand more authentic, responsibly made products that either improve communities or better the planet, retailers need to expand their wholesale…

For decades, the topic of sustainability was on the back burner for brands and retailers across their business models, networks of manufacturers, and supply chains. But now, that’s starting to change. Retailers in every sector are boosting their commitment to sustainability. For some brands, being environmentally friendly has been a core element of their DNA…

In episode 372 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Nils Altrogge, head of technology innovation at On, the fast-growing specialty running brand. Altrogge discusses the Swiss sports brand's mission (0:46), his professional background (2:09), and the factors to which he attributes On's rapid growth (3:50). The footwear brand recently debuted the first shoe made…

SHEIN, the fast-fashion online retailer, has launched SHEIN Exchange, an online peer-to-peer resale destination to buy and sell previously owned SHEIN products. SHEIN Exchange was inspired by SHEIN's customers, who have communicated an interest in resale destinations where they can buy and sell previously owned SHEIN products without the barrier of high platform fees that…

While all industries have seen an uptick in sustainability marketing in the past few years, retail — and fashion in particular — is one of the worst offenders when it comes to greenwashing. The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) found as many as 40 percent of sustainability claims could be unsubstantiated, while Changing Markets…

Environmental activists repeatedly target the retail industry — and their message is important and effective. Carbon emissions, high energy usage, and plastic packaging can contribute to waste in retail supply chains, and retailers need to respond. While most retailers recognize the benefits of prioritizing sustainability, making organization-wide change is easier said than done. Many sustainability…

Every organization should be on an ever-evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) journey. In this video, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kathleen Carroll, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Grainger, a leading business-to-business (B-to-B) broad line distributor. Carroll discusses Grainger's portfolio of environmentally preferable products (EPP), why the business focuses on environmental sustainability, and…