The Development of a Sustainability Strategy for a Retail Fitout Sector Manufacturer

Purpose. This research project aims to deliver an understanding of sustainability drivers within the retail fitout sector. Specifically, this project firstly seeks to identify a connection between the sustainability strategies of retail companies and the design, installation and service life of store fitouts. Secondly, this project develops an overview of the retail fitout stakeholder network, and identifies opportunities for how stakeholders may, through a process of product and service innovation, as well as collaboration with other stakeholders, deliver positive sustainability outcomes for their end users.

Methodology. A qualitative research approach was selected for this project, based upon the depth of insight required into a sector involving multiple stakeholders and business processes. Semi-structured interviews were scheduled with 10 research contacts, with key stakeholders and functions represented. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the interview data.

Findings. It was established that retailers’ sustainability strategies can be applied to the design and management of store fitouts, and that the fitout supply chain network could, through innovation and collaboration, achieve positive business outcomes whilst helping retailers to achieve their sustainability goals.

Value of the work. This research describes the sustainability attributes of retail fitouts at each phase of their design and service life, how external changes and internal team dynamics can have unexpected impacts upon a retailer’s sustainability agenda and identifies ways for SME fitout suppliers to use sustainability in order to gain sectoral market advantage.