Last time, we identified sustainability as a growing trend in the retail industry.
Introducing sustainable practices into your retail store is easier than you may think. A few simple choices can help your brand make a positive impact on the environment.
Shoppers respond positively to brands that make the environment a priority. In fact, Cone Communications reported that nine out of 10 millennials said they would switch brands to one associated with a positive cause – such as environmental awareness.
With the smell of blooming flowers in the air, spring is the perfect time to focus on the environment. Here are four ways you can introduce more sustainability to your retail brand:
1. Use sustainable retail display pieces
You can make a big difference just by supporting sustainable products as you make retail display purchases. The best part – we make it easy for you to identify eco-friendly displays.
For example, our unique mixed-media forms feature a black metal base, bendable plastic arms with woodgrain finish and a beige linen fabric torso. Sustainably sourced, these forms are perfect for displaying men’s and women’s clothing.
To give your shoppers added value, consider offering spring-themed gift wrap options. Our new premium designs evoke the fresh feelings of pleasant spring days.
2. Upcycle found items
You likely already recycle discarded items, but have you considered “upcycling” them? This is the practice of taking older items and making them better. For example, if you give an old chair a new coat of paint, it can take center stage in your next retail window display.
Sustainability advocate TriplePundit reported that retailers can upcycle all kinds of found objects into useful displays and decorations. Often, it works best to combine upcycled objects with other display pieces. For instance, you could use some of our display lights with found objects and other decorations to create a scene in which to highlight your merchandise.
3. Monitor your energy usage
There are more ways than ever to monitor how much energy your store consumes every day. But first, you need to understand how your store uses energy.
E Source reported that nearly 70 percent of retail energy use comes from lighting and heating. There are many low-cost ways to reduce your energy footprint, including shutting off lights when they’re not needed, having your HVAC system checked for efficiency and regularly replacing ventilation filters.
Not only will these efforts make a positive impact on the environment, but you may also see a lower energy bill.
4. Share your sustainability projects on social media
As you make an effort to create a more sustainable retail space, start a discussion with your customers. Use social media to discover what issues matter the most to the people your store serves.
Shoppers may have unique ideas about how to protect the environment and spread the word about sustainability efforts. Doing so will help your marketing efforts, as well. Not many people want to see advertisements, but they do want to be a part of the conversation.
We’re excited to see your ideas, too! Join us on Facebook to talk about your sustainability projects. On Twitter and Instagram, tag your photos with #myfireflydisplay to join our conversation!
