As consumers increasingly turn toward green products and lifestyles, they also want their retailers to adopt green business practices. A poll recently conducted by the Global Strategy Group shows that 87% of consumers are more likely to buy products from an environmentally friendly retailer.
Now, not everyone can afford a complete revamp of their store and business practices in order to make their building and business meet green standards. In fact, by reusing resources that you already have, you are in fact being green by not wasting materials.
However, there are certain smaller things that you can do in order to help cut down on your environmental impact. In fact, many of these practices can slowly be adopted.
First, start recycling. From boxes, to packaging, to receipt paper, many retail organizations have a lot of unavoidable waste. Make recycling at least paper a standard practice in your store. Look up your local recycling center and find out if they will pick up your paper. In some areas, local schools collect newspapers and other paper to make extra money.
Another way to help green your company is to replace your light bulbs. Make sure you are replacing your old bulbs with florescent bulbs as the old ones burn out. Florescent and LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer, reducing energy and waste.
When cleaning, invest in a couple of cloth towels instead of always using paper towels. At the end of the week, take them home and throw them into one of your usual loads to reduce the amount of paper that is being thrown away.
Even your bags can go green. Switch to eco friendly bags. These types of bags are more durable and reusable so that your customers can turn them into gift bags, lunch bags or more. Plus, they are made of 25-100% post consumer materials and are 100% recyclable. Or, sell canvas bags that your customers can reuse.
No matter the change large or small, by incorporating green practices into your retail store, your customers will appreciate it and it will decrease your store’s environmental footprint.
What are some other tips you have for greening your store? How has greening your location helped increase sales and decrease costs?
Tags: bags, boxes, green, Packaging, tuesday tips
I give all my office waste paper and cardboard boxes to my son’s school to recycle. They participate in a program where they are paid by weight to recycle. The money is used to buy new computers and other educational equipment. I recycle with minimal effort and cost, and teachers and other parents know that I donate. So, I have instant name recognition for my store. I want people to remember my business the next time they go shopping.
We are green at my stores. We are consignment store so our items for sale are recycled. We use the recycled bags and even give our customers 20% off if they bring in a bag themselves! Hangers are taken to a local dry cleaner. We recycle paper (computer/register tape) as well.
A discount for bringing in a bag is awesome!! Consignment stores are by nature in the business of recycling, but you bring “going green” up to the next level. Does your green discount ultimately bring customers into your store and increase your foot traffic?
We recycle all our paper and cardboard in waste bind supplied by the council.
All the building materials that are left over are aldo recycled.