How to Prioritize Sustainability in Your Retail Business

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. It can be the differentiator between your retail business and the competition. And it can give you a double-bottom-line boost by improving your profit margin and reducing overhead costs. Consider these five sustainability strategies that will help you stand out and grow your business.

1. Sell Locally Made Products

Whatever your store specializes in, consider adding locally made products to your stock list. If you sell home decor, locally made items such as candles or accent pieces can add a unique angle to your shop. Feature these items near the cash wrap to easily boost sales, especially when shoppers are searching for a gift. 

Cash wrap or impulse items offer shoppers immediate access to a lower-cost good that can mean more sales conversions for you. Additionally, these items often come with a higher profit margin and aren’t as sensitive to shifts in style. This gives them a longer shelf life and enduring relevance with your customers. 

Research artisans in your community, region, or state whose products you can sell. Offering locally made products can give your business sustainability cred — fewer carbon-spewing transportation miles! — while supporting local makers. 

Oftentimes, these producers primarily sell their items online or in pop-up markets. Stocking their products full-time in your store can increase their reach while rounding out your sustainable product offerings. Working with local makers can provide a win-win for everyone.

2. Source Sustainable Goods From Wholesale Platforms

When sourcing new items for your shop, where else can you go? It might be time to look into online wholesale platforms. Wholesale apparel marketplace Faire provides thousands of products for retailers, and the use of filters can help anyone source sustainable goods efficiently. You can search and select a variety of sustainable goods from a single source. 

Are you a boutique owner who thinks sustainability eliminates a product from the realm of fashion? Think again. Sustainability and fashion are not mutually exclusive. These brands can be even more cutting-edge by way of design, details, and materials. Wholesale platforms offer an array of sustainable garments that will tick your customers’ environment- and style-conscious boxes.

Many product descriptions offer details on what makes an item sustainable. It could be the product’s production technique or materials, or it may be the maker’s business practices. Sustainable choices often elicit positive feelings in your customers. Communicate the value of the product itself as well as its impact on the earth to get the maximum benefit. 

3. Develop Strategic Brand Messaging Around Sustainability

So you’ve decided to add sustainable products to your stock list. But how do you let your customers know about your new line? Even better yet, how do they determine that purchasing sustainable products is the way of the future? Engage your customers by developing strategic brand marketing around your new line and its benefits. 

Showcase your sustainable products in a special area of your store. Craft messaging about your sustainable practices so your customers understand your unique offering. You may even be able to price these products at a premium. 

Sustainability can have a double bottom-line impact on your sales and your industry. Let your customers know you care by highlighting your sustainable products with special signage, strategic messaging, and social media conversations. Prioritize your line as a way to attract new customers into your store. 

Share the benefits of sustainability and how customers can support sustainable manufacturing and materials simply by buying from you. Include a stock card insert with your patrons’ sustainable purchases so they can learn about the positive impact they’re making. When customers can understand the benefits of buying sustainable goods, they’re more likely to make repeat purchases.  

4. Integrate Sustainable Practices in Your Business

Sustainability isn’t just about the product lines you carry. You can take cues from sustainability experts when it comes to how you run your business. Consider reusing materials in your shop for decor, fixtures, furniture, and saleable items. 

You may be able to find secondhand fixtures or reclaimed items for both decor and display purposes. Online used furniture sites like 1stDibs and Kaiyo can serve up anything from an Eames chair to a Crate & Barrel sideboard. Aside from potentially being budget-friendly, these pieces can add character and texture to potentially sterile space. Breathe new life into your shop by buying things secondhand. 

You can also adopt other sustainable practices in your business model. For example, encourage shoppers to use reusable shopping bags and offer a discount for those who do. Use sustainable or reusable products in your bathrooms, like washable hand towels instead of paper towels. Showcase eco-friendly soaps and cleaning products and encourage water conservation for shoppers and staff. 

Upgrade to LED lighting in your showroom and associate space and use timers to reduce your kilowatt-hours. With these environmentally friendly updates, you’ll be consistent in your commitment to sustainability.

5. Connect With and Support Other Eco-Conscious Retailers

Small businesses thrive when they support one another. This tenet proves even truer when it comes to promoting like-minded retailers. Support other sustainability-focused stores on social media and as a shopper, when possible. 

You could also collaborate with other shops for a social media giveaway. Typically, shops, influencers, and brands collaborate for a generous prize in exchange for social media engagement. Each shop can provide sustainable goods or services to one or more lucky winners who participate by liking, following, and sharing content. 

Your businesses will be introduced to new customers thanks to this collaboration. Sometimes, these partnerships can be more impactful than traditional marketing. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats. Share your audience with other eco-conscious brands, and you all can win.

Rolling Sustainability Into Your Business Plan

Sustainability is a mindful way of stewarding your resources for the benefit of your business, your customers, and the planet. Being mindful of your goods and services and their impact on the environment not only feels good, it does good. Be a worthy steward of the earth’s gifts by prioritizing sustainability throughout your operation. 

You’ll be a trailblazer as you integrate sustainability into your business. Offering high-quality, attractive, and sustainable products is possible. More importantly, it’s beneficial for your profit margins, customer satisfaction, and the world.