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Green Retail: How Automation is Driving Sustainable Practices in the Industry

If you work in the retail industry, you’re probably familiar with green retail.

Sustainability in business has become a hot topic during the past few years, and what used to be a trend is now an industry standard.

In the retail field, businesses are forced to implement eco-friendly practices. This happens not just because of regulatory compliance but because customers demand more sustainable practices and services. A study conducted by McKinsey highlights that 85% of consumers have changed their purchasing behavior toward being more sustainable.

Therefore, green retail is a must for retailers who want to achieve long-term profitability and a good brand reputation.

Understanding Green Retail

As the name suggests, green retail refers to implementing sustainable practices and strategies in retail. Companies aim to reduce the environmental impact of retail processes and create a more responsible retail ecosystem.

Automation is one of the most significant drivers of green retail, and it brings major benefits to all businesses in the industry. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, retailers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also optimizing their operations.

Several technologies and systems help retailers reduce overstock and waste. Some examples include automated inventory management or assortment planning.

Moving further, we’ll explore some areas where technology contributes to green retail.

Waste Reduction and Automation

Sustainable resource management should be one of the main goals of every retail business. It reduces the carbon footprint while maintaining economic efficiency.

Let’s take a look at some examples of how businesses can leverage automation solutions to reduce waste:

Inventory management: All retailers could and should use an inventory management solution. This solution drastically reduces waste and overproduction by offering real-time insights into inventory levels.
Optimized logistics: Fuel consumption and carbon emissions are real challenges for retailers who want to adopt sustainable practices. Fortunately, technology can optimize logistics by calculating the best delivery routes, analyzing driver behavior, and ensuring that trucks are loaded to optimal capacity.
Assortment planning: Retail automation can help retailers decide which products to carry and sell in the upcoming season. The software gives results based on trends and historical data, leading to optimized inventory management.

These are only a few examples of how automation contributes to green retail. In the future, we are likely to see even more retailers and technology companies worldwide with their operations and strategies having sustainability in mind.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

As previously mentioned, consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices from the businesses they choose to purchase from. This is especially relevant to Gen Z consumers, who, according to McKinsey, are the most willing to pay for products that have environmental or social claims.

By prioritizing green retail and leveraging automation, retailers can acquire a loyal customer base that values environmental responsibility and aligns with their brand values.

Furthermore, there are automated systems that directly impact the customer experience. For example, personalized recommendations or automated checkout processes can make a huge difference in the buyer’s journey.

AROBS Group for Retail Automation

At AROBS Group, we are committed to helping businesses adopt more sustainable and efficient processes.

Our team from Berg Software has over nine years of experience in developing custom software solutions for clients in the retail industry and has collaborated with major international players. Their solutions enabled their clients to improve their workflows, forecast industry trends, and enhance the customer experience.

If you’re looking for a trusted technology partner to help you take your retail business to the next level and contribute to a greener future, contact us to discuss your business needs.