Sustainable retail futures

Individual retailers have attempted to resolve many of the sustainability challenges facing the industry, and some have made great strides toward a more sustainable model. However, all are faced with the same fundamental issues intrinsic to the traditional apparel business model, a model based on a fragmented, globalized supply network, where there is a lack of transparency and traceability. 

As individual brands these fundamental issues may seem insurmountable however, in spite of the highly competitive nature of the retail apparel market, a growing group of responsible retailers are tackling these issues together. These retailers have recognized the interdependencies of their businesses within the supply chain and how the development of a more sustainable model is beneficial to individual organizations as well as the industry as a whole. 

As these collaborations evolve and attempt to overcome the issues associated with their particular aspect of the industry, the combined efforts are slowly but surely changing the industry, improving the visibility, and understanding of many of the sustainability issues faced by the industry, improving transparency across the supply chain, and ultimately leading to solutions that in time can improve the sustainability of the industry. 

However, a growing number of responsible retailers are now aspiring to being truly sustainable where the activities of the retailer deliver benefits to their shareholders and their customers and create natural and social capital. To do this the market has to evolve, and the retailing business model has to be radically changed. The current business model is based on the linear transactions in which consumption and growth are intrinsically coupled with environmental and social harm this has to be replaced, and a small number of retailers are now exploring what the new business model could look like. 

Berman, B., Evans, J., 1989. Retail Management A Strategic Approach. Macmillian, New York. European Union Special Eurobarometer 365 Attitudes of European citizens towards the Environment, 2011. Available from http //ec.europa.eu/public opinion/archives/ebs/ ebs 372 en.pdf (conducted by TNS Opinion Social). 

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Lyocell is an excellent example of a sustainable fibre today. Building on this, lyocell manufacturers operate a policy of continuous improvement in partnership with key raw material suppliers, customers and retailers. Future developments are likely to further minimise the environmental impact of lyocell fibres in areas such as ... 

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