Sustainability Issues in the Retail Sector

Hardly a day passes without the topic of sustainability cropping up in the media. What was once thought to be a passing fad is now clearly, and possibly permanently, part of everyday consumer and business consciousness. The retail sector in particular has been firmly under the spotlight. As high standards become everyday customer expectations and the media becomes increasingly clued up, the task for retailers can only get harder. Our investigation explored general public perceptions - and beyond. In particular, we looked into the minds of those `experts' who are more deeply involved and knowledgeable on the topic of the sustainability agenda within the retail sector. We wanted to tap into their understanding of the many complexities surrounding this topic, and gain their longer term perspective of the issues and how retailers can respond. This report summarises the findings of a number of pieces of thought leadership work by Ipsos's Reputation Centre. It comprises research among the on-line British public and a study of `experts' in the field of retail and sustainability. We interviewed a number of leading authorities including high street retailers and product manufacturers, trade and consumer associations, leading academics, think tanks and consultants, relevant financial analysts and journalists and NGOs and Government departments. Several studies were conducted to inform this report, including both an Ipsos online study among the British public and a series of depth interviews with a range of experts in the fields of retail and sustainability. The online Omnibus study was among 1,131 members of the British public aged 16-64, conducted 13-17 March 2007. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 representatives from a range of organisations including retailers and manufacturers; NGOs and Interest Groups; Corporate Responsibility Experts and Socially Responsible Investment Professionals (SRIs) and Other Commentators. Further details of160our approach are outlined in the appendices.