Given Google’s global commitment to sustainability, it’s no surprise that sustainability themes figured prominently in their recently opened store on Boston’s Newberry Street – but their success didn’t come without challenges.
Attendees at this year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), Oct. 9-10 will get the inside scoop on how to bridge the gap between sustainability and store development strategy in an interactive panel moderated by Brent Felten, Retail Sector Client Relationship Director, Henderson Engineers, which features Jackie Farrar, Head of Retail Design and Development, Google Stores; Mark Brungo, Global Account Director, Gensler; and Brian Alessi, Sustainability Director, Henderson Engineers.
Ready for an eco-friendly strategy in your store? These four areas offer the biggest returns on your sustainability efforts.
- Redesign from the ground up: If you’re building (or rebuilding) your space, explore using sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC paints for construction and interior design. Utilize natural lighting over artificial light, update your HVAC system for energy savings and, if you’re in a location that gets a lot of rain, explore ways to collect and use rainwater for non-potable uses.
- Save energy: From converting to LED lighting and opting for energy-efficient appliances to installing motion-activated lighting, you can start making meaningful changes without a huge investment. Looking for a bigger impact? Research the use of solar panels to generate renewable energy and decrease your store’s reliance on grid electricity.
- Reduce waste: Offer your customers and staff recycling and composting stations to help them consider where they’re tossing that trash. In addition, strategize ways to minimize your packaging, such as using reusable bags and digital receipts.
- Adopt a circular product strategy: Want to start the conversation on conservation? From encouraging the use of local, organic and eco-friendly products to educating your customers about products with a low environmental impact to finding ways to refill and re-use your products, you can quickly amp up your eco-friendly vibe.
Most of all, kudos for going green. For even more ways incorporate your sustainability strategy successfully, don’t miss our high-energy interactive panel with Google at IRDC 2024!
Don’ t miss Google’s session at IRDC. Review the full session lineup and register today for IRDC 2024. Get started here: www.irdconline.com.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
