|
|
 |
Setting a Good Example for Progress
|
Businesses and associations, from currently 19 countries, have joined together to form the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA), the European umbrella organisation of the home centre industry. They are all well aware of their social and environmental responsibility to the public and recognise, through their commitment, what it entails to be a responsible business.
|
The Future of Sustainability in the Balance?
|
While some countries are reportedly recovering from the global recession, many others across the world are still struggling with the economic downturn with no light at the end of the tunnel. So what does this mean for the environment? It would be easy to assume that it is going to come in for a hard time too, as retailers needing to make cutbacks ditch the watchword of the moment, ‘sustainability’, in favour of quick savings. But this is undoubtedly a short-term view with not just global consequences but with serious ramifications for those retailers.
|
Rethinking Sustainability Policies
|
Firstly it is important to remember that successful firms, just by being in business, are crucial for the economy and therefore society through the provision of services, products and, significantly, jobs. It is important not to get carried away with the latest trend and overburden companies with untenable obligations and sanctions. So, whilst it is not time to scrap sustainability altogether, it is time to rethink its place in the business model to ensure that sustainability policies have a long-term future.
|
Sustainability differentiates
|
 |
|
The recession provides an opportunity for DIY retailers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable products and practices, more easily distinguishing themselves in the marketplace from the companies who have only been paying lip service to the latest trend. As the economy begins to recover the smart firms will be the ones who have not dragged their feet on environmental issues but have reaffirmed their commitment to this ever-more important aspect of business, clearly showing increasingly prosperous customers their true mettle. When consumers resume spending they will vote with their wallets and choose the companies who genuinely take sustainability seriously. Governments and lobby groups will still be pressuring companies on sustainability issues and top graduates will be choosing those companies seen as ethical when considering their recruitment options.
During this period of economic gloom it is even more important to stay focussed on the long-term and ensure that sustainability policies are themselves sustainable.
|
|
 |
|
| | US: Home Depot and Lowe's store sales increase
Last week Home Depot announced a 1.8% increase in sales to $19.4 billion. Home Depot's same-store sales increased by 1.7% while reporting that net earnings ha
| | | Sweden: Clas Ohlson takes on expert
Clas Ohlson reinforces its management team with Catharina Bengtson. From 1st October 2010 Ms. Bengtson will take up the post as supply chain director. Ms. Ben
| | | Estonia: Ehitus Service hits 19 stores
In recent weeks Ehitus Service, which was founded in 2002 in Tallinn, has opened four new home improvement and garden centres. These new openings bring their
|
|
|
|
