Store Initiatives Retailers are Making Space For

As ethically-motivated shopping increases, many top retailers are focusing on ‘closing the loop’ by implementing their own reduce, reuse and recycle schemes. So far, it’s proven to be an effective value proposition that’s worth making space far.

We explore some store initiatives that are helping to nudge shopping behavior and win the hearts and minds of customers right now.

1. Take-back Initiatives

By providing your shoppers with an accessible and convenient place to recycle some of the more uncommon materials such as textiles, batteries and electronics you are immediately providing a solution and a service which gives them more reason to visit your store over competitors.

Putting a take-back initiative into action

Starting your own take-back scheme doesn’t have to be a laborious task. Think of a product you sell that could be recycled and get the ball rolling from there.

You can promote your program with mini-campaigns, employee engagement or by simply talking with customers about your take-back program to increase awareness.

Start small with battery recycling

There are many benefits to recycling spent batteries (as seen in our handy infographic here) so it’s no surprise that so many stores in America are now offering battery collection programs.

In some states there are laws for retailers to collect and recycle rechargeable batteries. But even if it’s not the law in your state, it’s still a good idea to have a battery recycling program in place anyway.

After all, creating a battery recycling station can be a quick and simple way to improve the sustainability of your store.

The C-Thru™ 10Q can be used to collect small recyclable waste like rechargeable, single-use and cell phone batteries. This battery collection tube has a slim design, meaning it takes up little space in your store.

Our range of battery recycling containers can even be customized with your store recycling message or branding to motivate customers to get involved in recycling.

Take-back schemes in action

Many national and global retailers are running their own successful take-back schemes.

The clothing retailer Patagonia run a take-back initiative where they promise to recycle and repurpose old Patagonia products brought into their stores.

2. Food Donation Programs

Approximately 1 in 8 U.S. households reported being food insecure^* in 2015. With food insecurity still prevalent in our society, it’s important for us to take action by doing our part to aid hunger relief.

Supporting your local community by tackling issues that they face, will not only strengthen your community image, but also provides your company with the opportunity to give-back to those who support your brand. It can be a great way to build strong relationships with your customers and thank them for their loyalty.

Having compost bins for spoiled food that can no longer be sold is a simple way to reduce your stores environmental impact and contribute to the circular economy. The Nexus Shuttle is ideal for collecting food waste in small grocery stores.

The large capacity Nexus City 64G for food waste is suitable for collecting organic waste in larger grocery stores or supermarkets with delis, bakeries, produce departments and on-site food preparation areas.

Food donation in action

In 2015, the grocer Giant Landover donated more than $1 million to combat child hunger and a further $7.9 million to regional food bank partners and local pantries. This was all done through Giant’s “Meat the Needs” initiative where they promise to send packaged meats to local food banks instead of throwing them in the trash.

By diverting food waste from landfill, the Meat the Needs program allows Giant to reduce their food waste whilst helping their local community.

3. Store Drop-Off Recycling Stations

Siting recycling containers next to your front-of-store trash cans is a simple way to be more sustainable. Having recycling stations outside the front of your store will encourage visitors to drop and shop.

The majority of plastic bags, films and wraps cannot go in curbside bins. But did you know that they can usually go in retail store bins? Just look for the Store Drop-off recycling logo on plastic packaging.

Drop-off points in action

We were pleased to help the grocery giant Food Lion with their commitment to becoming Zero Waste by 2020. Food Lion adapted our Nexus City 64G recycling containers to create a dedicated recycling program to accept plastic film, paper and mixed beverage containers. This gave customers and employees an easy to reach recycling point, where they can quickly drop-off their recycling before doing their grocery shopping.

Sources

^*https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/79761/err215_summary.pdf?v=42636