Conscious Retail: Creating a More Sustainable Retail Environment
Taking our lessons from quarantine into the future.
We understand that not many brands are focused on creating a pop-up store right now. But, what about in the future? As a brand, we cannot just sit by and idly wait for the brighter days to come. Planning now allows us to hit the ground running when the long awaited post quarantine days arrive.
Companies have been halting their production and closing down factories due to the coronavirus, and it has affected many people in many ways, but today we are focusing on the earth. Air pollution and CO2 levels have rapidly fallen due to these factory shutdowns. Water is running clearer and our air is becoming cleaner. These changes are sparking realizations and opening the eyes of consumers to the dark side of mass production.
Having a more conscious consumer means brands must adapt to having a more conscious product, and inevitably a more conscious space. So, when life evens out, we must remember these budding consumer values. We want to keep those pollution numbers down, not just rack them back up again! Implementing small changes in your retail space can have a big impact on your environmental footprint, and your brand image.
Need a little help getting started? You’re in luck. We have compiled some ideas of what sustainable materials are, how to use them, and how to have *fun* using them.
Materials
When choosing the fixtures to place in your pop-up or longstanding retail space, it is important to note what they are made out of and how they were produced . You want to ensure that the production process has done minimal if not no harm to the earth, that it was made ethically, and that the materials are durable for longevity.
Some sustainable materials include:
Jute |Hemp | Clay | Stone | Wood | Wool
Jute and hemp fibers make great rugs and textural pieces. These fibers are also more durable than cotton and synthetics, meaning although the pieces may be more expensive, they are likely to last you a long time. Sustainability speaks to the longevity of a product because you are minimizing waste from constantly replenishing. Plus, jute, hemp, wood, and clay are all renewable resources that (when extracted properly) do not harm the earth! Although stone is not renewable, it is a natural material that requires no other resources to create it — and it’s completely recyclable (wool, too!)!
Materials in Action
If you’re a clothing brand, Bonami recently developed 100% recyclable, unbreakable, mark resistant mannequins (made of BONPLAST)!
(pictured to the left)
So, instead of reaching for that cheaper, synthetic version, consider these alternatives. The product will last longer, and you’ll help the earth last a little longer too.
Clay:
Wood, Stone & Wool
Inspirational Innovation
Some pretty creative brands have come up with these forward thinking ideas, and they’re definitely a source of inspiration.
Modern Metals
Not everything sustainable has to be green and natural. If your brand’s image has an edge with a darker, moodier vibe, there are still ways that your identity can be maintained in a sustainable nature. Take a look at The Fashion Door (TFD) in Hong Kong.
The retailer reused old factory materials to create a modern, yet sustainable visual experience. And they didn’t stop there. The central piece (pictured above) is comprised of old escalators, motorcycle, and boat parts and a truck’s engine! W h a t!
The Bare Minimum
When Veja decided to open a store in NYC, they left all of the bells and whistles at the door. The brand opted to leave the walls and flooring bare and as is. By doing so they are not using or contributing to the production of “unnecessary” materials. What’s more sustainable than nothing?
Paper Play
Inside of Stella McCartney’s London shop, you will find paper-mâché paneling made out of paper waste from the brand’s home office.
McCartney then went the extra mile and worked with Airlabs to create an air-purifying system for cleaner air in the store!
The Takeaway
When creating a new pop-up or longstanding space, it is important to be aware of what you are using and why. Use only what you find absolutely necessary and, when necessary, try and find the sustainable alternative.
Tip: Not everything is about the materials. Working with local artisans, sourcing pieces locally and making sure all items are ethically produced is also practicing sustainability!
With all of that information swirling around in your head, there’s only one question left:
What will you create?
by, Georgiana Zilli
Ready to open your pop-up but need a space for rent? Popshop is here to help! Offering a variety of spaces across the globe, we’ll help you find your perfect retail location for rent. Come join the community!
