In this day and age where customers are becoming increasingly aware of their carbon footprint, having an ethical business is crucial to making a lasting impression on your brand image. If you wish to appeal to the modern-day consumer, then you have to reciprocate their green philosophy. Stocking products that align with environmental principles is one way to operate a sustainable business and the other proven method is through sustainable shopfitting.
Sustainable shopfitting is the process of using renewable, eco-friendly materials to fit out a retail or service shop. Unlike traditional shopfitting methods, going with a more sustainable approach allows you to lower your carbon footprint, reduce your energy consumption, and earn the trust of your target consumers.
Now is the time more than ever to fit out your store in a way that will benefit the community and the environment. Here’s what you need to know about the process of sustainable shopfitting.
Generate foot-traffic with an eco-friendly storefront
How your storefront looks says a lot about your brand image. You want to make sure that this facade looks attractive to the public eye to generate foot traffic. One way to achieve this is by using a conscientious shop front. This kind of fit out offers a trendy solution to saving the planet whilst creating a unique storefront for your establishment.
Think of wood-clad exteriors or vertical greenery when designing your storefront. By creating a natural outdoor facade, you’ll be sending an immediate message that your business is ethical and eco-friendly. Let’s face it, a green shop is more likely to generate a return visit than one with an outdated and uninspired storefront.
Take advantage of greener fixtures
There’s no need for excess carbon when you have access to the right tools and equipment. The best retail interiors today consist of consciously-designed fixtures that can adapt to and withstand any flash-in-the-pan trends. There are a couple of ways you can inject life into your current shop space, all while using eco-friendly fixtures and processes.
You can greatly reduce the need for shipping and manufacturing by taking advantage of existing fixtures that have been reconditioned. Better yet, you can even use recycled materials like cork and cardboard to create an environmentally-conscious atmosphere.
Fixtures that can easily be dismantled and reconfigured are worth taking a look at as well since these can be reconfigured to meet your store’s needs. Great shopfitters know how to implement sustainable and carbon-neutral concepts to help make your store interior look green and appealing.
Showcase natural elements
Upcycled cardboard and wood are some of the most popular materials that retailers use to create good-looking retail displays. They provide a raw and contemporary look that helps minimise your fitout’s carbon footprint without compromising on the style factor. What’s also great about these recycled materials is that they’re easy on the budget, allowing you to display several works of art inside your retail store.
Upcycling and showcasing natural elements is integral to boosting sales. As opposed to stark and uninteresting store designs, natural materials offer a trendy design solution that feels warm and inviting.
Use natural lighting to showcase your products
When it comes to interior lighting, you want to use as much natural light as possible. Not only is it free, but natural light can significantly improve the air quality and atmosphere of your store. This, in turn, improves the shopping experience of your customers and directs them towards a sale. You can achieve this by placing larger windows near the shelves and installing skylights to highlight your products.
To further reduce your energy consumption, make sure to use LED lighting as your main source of light. LED lights have come a long way and there’s no denying they’re one of the most efficient lighting options out there. Consider installing automatic shut-off timers both indoors and outdoors to save asa s much energy as possible.
Other sustainable shopfitting methods
More and more businesses are making small, meaningful changes to accommodate the growing requests of green consumers. Here are other sustainable shopfitting methods for you to consider:
- Replace fibreglass ductwork with metal
- Recycling wood waste
- Implement energy monitoring and management systems
- Use water-saving appliances and plumbing features
- Replace plastic bags with reusable shopping bags
Going green with the right shopfitter
There’s no denying that consumer attitudes have shifted towards sustainable practices and retailers should take note of this change. Not only are these eco-friendly practices good for your brand image, but they’re also essential for the commercial success and survival of businesses around the world.
If you do decide to go the sustainable shopfitting route, it’s a good idea to extend your efforts through your social media followers. That way, they’ll be informed of your ethical business practices and your goals of becoming a more eco-friendly business.
Looking for a professional shopfitting service that knows how to implement sustainable design methods? Then look no further than 360 Shopfitters. Contact us today and let us help you achieve the sustainable store that you’ve always been dreaming of.
