How independents can become more sustainable
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
From saving energy and lighting costs, to using biodegradable packaging and prolonging a product’s lifespan, Drapers Magazine has been looking at how independent retailers can improve their sustainability practices.
You can read the full article here but key points made in the piece include:
Independent retailers can aim to meet their sustainability targets by fitting their stores in the most low-impact materials available. From lighting to the materials used for furniture and shelving, the interior elements used can add to a business’s sustainability credentials.
Retailers should opt for LED (light-emitting diode) lighting to limit their energy usage. LED lights use less energy and last for up to 14 years. LEDs also require less energy to produce the same amount of brightness as incandescent bulbs, reducing running costs by up to 90%.
The article also points to how independent retailers have taken further practical steps to save energy against rising costs, mentioning Padstow-based clothing and accessories independent Aloft in Cornwall, which is conserving energy by keeping doors closed to conserve heating during the day and turning the lights off when the store is closed overnight.
Independent retailers are also advised to explore the use of recyclable or reusable packaging for both in store and online sales.
Independents, it says, can take the lead of womenswear retailer Black White Denim in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which has started its own rental service. It introduced the option to rent occasion wear dresses and tops in 2020. Its current rental selection offers London-based womenswear brand Self-Portrait. Consumers can rent products for four days at a cost of 16%-25% of the retail price, equivalent to £50-£60 to rent for four days, plus an additional refundable deposit of 20% of the retail price. The womenswear boutique handles the entire process, from delivery and shipping returns to cleaning.
Rental allows retailers to maximise the utilisation of their stock, providing them with a “secondary income.
