Sustainable retail, sustainable future
Embed sustainability into core business strategies to unlock value and profitability
Why retail sustainability?
Embracing sustainability isn't just about compliance or ethical positioning. It is now a strategic imperative that drives innovation, resilience and profitability. In a rapidly evolving market, retailers that integrate sustainability across their value chain can improve their performance, long-term value and competitive advantage.
The resale market is growing 7 times faster than the broader retail apparel market
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulations have increased 155% globally in the past decade
Companies with consistently high environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance enjoy 4.7x higher operating margins than companies with medium ESG performance
of consumers believe that ethical corporate practices and values are an important reason to choose a brand
What you can do
Determine the financial portfolio mix needed to both meet the company’s short- and long-term strategy and goals and protect its competitive positioning and financial health.
12.9%
is the average annual return earned by global sustainability leaders, compared to an average 8.6% annual return earned by laggard companies.
Choosing regenerative, recycled and less carbon-intensive raw materials enhances a retailer’s sustainability profile and reduces its environmental impact. It also helps meet the growing consumer demand for more eco-friendly options.
76%
Fifty percent of consumers changed their views on consumption during the pandemic. Of those, 76% are attracted to doing business with brands that source services and materials in a highly ethical way
Adopting circular design principles such as durability, repairability and recyclability can extend product life cycles, reduce waste and open new revenue streams through resale initiatives.
65%
Fifty percent of consumers changed their views of consumption during the pandemic. Of those, 65% are attracted to doing business with brands that are environment-friendly and provide credible “green” credentials
Implementing sustainable packaging, such as recyclable and biodegradable materials, can reduce environmental impact, meet regulatory requirements and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
62%
Some 62% of consumers say their purchasing decisions are influenced by a company's efforts to reduce plastics and improve the environment.
Decipher the maze of regulations to understand how and where they apply to your business, learning how small investments in technology can simplify collection and reporting, while uncovering financial benefits across various points of your value chain.
~1100
The number of data points required to comply with CSRD alone, only one of several new regulations newly impacting businesses.
Integrating advanced technologies for inventory and channel management can reduce excess inventory and improve stock levels overall operational efficiency.
Improving your logistics network with route planning and multi-modal transport can reduce transportation costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide timely delivery of products.
65%
For shipments over 1,000 miles, intermodal transport slashes fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to truck transport alone.
Developing transparent and engaging sustainability marketing campaigns can highlight your commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing your brand reputation, building customer loyalty and driving market differentiation.
Better operational efficiency and costs
Stronger brand loyalty and market position
Enhanced product quality and innovation
Our leaders
Cara Smyth
Senior Managing Director – ESG Retail
Frank Zambrelli
Managing Director – ESG Retail