Expectation growing among shoppers for more sustainable alternatives

Demand for sustainable alternatives from retailers is rising among shoppers, reveals new research from e-commerce fulfilment provider PFS.

Findings in its latest Conscious Commerce 3.0 report reveal over half of consumers (61 per cent) now expect sustainable packaging to be used for their online purchases. However, only 54 per cent of retailers are currently offering shoppers sustainable packaging options free of charge.

Half of the retailers polled (50 per cent) also say they have seen a notable increase in customer enquiries about sustainable products compared to 2020.

With the importance of reducing carbon footprint becoming more of a focus for consumers, the pressure is on for retailers to fine-tune their product offer to appeal to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.

Zach Thomann, chief operating officer at PFS,

Darlington fashion indie named among most-loved high street businesses

Darlington’s Leggs Fashion has been named as one of Britain’s most loved small high street businesses in ShopAppy’s #LoveLocalDay initiative.

Now in its fifth year, shoppers were invited to nominate their favourite local business in the run up to Valentine’s Day on 14 February. Consumers were also encouraged to support indie retailers and spread the word about the campaign by word-of-mouth and on social media.

Over 12,000 people voted for their favourite independent shops from butchers, craft shops and cafes to greengrocers and womenswear boutiques.

Family-run indie Leggs Fashion has been operating in the North-East of England for over 100 years. Today it stocks a wide range of womenswear and menswear brands including Guess, Kevan Jon, Valentino, Paolo Vandini and Marc Darcy.

Co-owner Ann Coxon comments: “We are so very lucky to live and work in a town that supports independent businesses. We have fantastic customers who are so loyal and are forever grateful to every customer and to our amazing staff who help us give them the best experiences.” comments: “Sustainability and eco-friendly options are becoming increasingly important to consumers and retailers need to find smart solutions to appeal to this growing focus. A sustainability negotiation needs to occur between retailer and consumer - if retailers adapt their business model by incorporating paperless options like QR codes as well as taking steps to educate their customer on best practice to ensure their purchase journey is sustainable, then businesses are well on their way to appealing to and retaining their customer base.”

Other businesses named in the top 20 list include Frankie Doodles Children’s Clothing Boutique in Basildon, Caroline’s Fashion and Accessories in Burgess Hill and The Little Quilt Shop in Shildon.

Dr Jackie Mulligan, expert on the government’s High Streets Task Force and founder of ShopAppy, comments: “We had more votes than ever this year and it shows the love people have for their local high street businesses. Our high streets are the heart of local communities and the small businesses that line them are not just places to buy things, but to meet others and chat. They are social not just transactional - that counts for so much for so many people.”

Pure London launches free Independent Retailers Sustainability Toolkit

Fashion indies wanting to reduce their environmental impact can now download Pure London’s free Independent Retailers Sustainability Toolkit. Created by sustainability ambassador Olivia Pinnock, it includes a step-by-step guide containing tangible and practical information on everything from reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption to finding sustainable packaging.

The toolkit launched at last month’s Pure London and is split into four comprehensive chapters including mapping impact and creating a strategy, exploring the in-store environment and focusing on reducing waste, sourcing sustainable suppliers and creating your own circular economy. It also uncovers different consumer group attitudes to sustainability and the importance of avoiding greenwashing.

Pinnock says: “We must appreciate that small businesses often don’t have the time and resources to invest in their sustainability initiatives. At Pure London, we really believe that they have a role to play in creating a more sustainable fashion industry. Our Sustainability Toolkit can really help indies understand how they can make small changes to create a big impact.”

Download the toolkit via purelondon.com/sustainability-toolkit

Autumn Fair modernises trade show format with revolutionary new meetings programme

Leading trade show Autumn Fair is “ripping up the rule book on events” with the launch of its revolutionary new meetings programme, Connect. Event organiser Hyve group says the launch is the biggest investment it’s ever made in the show’s 30-year history.

Starting from September, buyers will be able to access cutting-edge technology to find exhibitors that are most suited to their needs before scheduling in-person appointments. Each Connect meeting is double opt-in for buyers and exhibitors, meaning there’s mutual interest between both parties. The