By Debbie Hauss, Editor-in-Chief
I am happy to report that I’m hearing about a lot of retail companies stepping up their efforts to improve the world beyond their own bottom line. I know this may sound a bit corny and cliché, but in my opinion, every person and business should think about what they can do to make the world a better place for future generations.
Of course, it’s even better if these socially responsible efforts improve business. Over a six-year period, 52% of consumers said they purchased at least one product or service from a socially responsible company, according to Nielsen research. The same percentage of consumers also said they check product packaging to ensure brands are delivering on their socially responsible promises.
During the Retail Innovation Conference, May 9-11 at the Apella in New York City, a panel of retail executives will share their perspectives and experiences with cause marketing and social good projects. The session will be moderated by Greg Buzek, President of IHL Services and Founder of RetailROI — an organization focused on helping children around the world. Attendees also will hear from four retailers who are very passionate about their different approaches to social responsibility:
Advertisement
- Marci Zaroff, Founder, Under The Canopy
- Bridget Burns, Social Media Strategist, Tom’s of Maine
- Mary Holahan, Digital Marketing Manager, Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Kane Calamari, President, Ace Hardware Foundation
I’d like to highlight just a few other retail companies we’ve covered on the Retail TouchPoints site, that are dedicated to social good in different ways, including a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, education, hunger and much more:
- Zappos is partnering with Natural Capital Partners to support forest projects in Mississippi, Chile and Brazil. Carbon offsets from these projects will mitigate more than 6.8 million miles of company air travel (to more than 25 different countries), making Zappos’ corporate travel carbon neutral in 2016 and beyond. The project was developed by Zappos’ Travel, Sustainability & Brand Aura departments.
- Simon Property Group (Simon Malls) is working with Current, powered by GE, a digital power service, to deliver the next generation of efficient, intelligent malls. Through the partnership, Simon plans to install intelligent LEDs, electric vehicle charging stations and demand response systems across 200 properties.
- Boll and Branch has developed a line of environmentally friendly sheets, towels and luxury bedding, with a strong focus on fair trade.
- Many retailers — including Nike, IKEA and Target — have joined forces with the White House to combat climate change. A total of 81 companies, representing a variety of industries, have pledged to support the American Business Act on Climate.
These examples are just a snapshot of the efforts put forth by retailers and all types of businesses. As a reporter and consumer, I look forward to even more good news like this from the retail industry, year after year.
