myStoRE retailer'S Guide vol. 10.5: SuStAinAbility A p u b l i c At i o n o f s p o n s o r e d by The Voice of Independent Retail in Canada By Robert Price Simple and smart initiatives can help any retailer green their business. G reen retailing might have been a fad a decade ago. Today, it's a selling point and a path to more profitable operations. This Retailer's Guide offers tips concerning ways to make the shift to sustainable retailing Lead the way Retailers have considerable influence in the lives of Canadians because they are the gatekeepers of the market. It's quite a responsibility. They have to appeal to the customers' changing wants and desires, needs and preferences, in addition to providing choices that are health and safe. For retailers who want to lead on sustainable retailing, they can look first at their operations. Elect a Green Champion for your store. Many provinces and eco-focused companies share the same advice: name a person on the team to lead the store's efforts to become more eco-and economically-progressive. The Green Champions are the people who keep their eyes on new technologies and new advances in green retailing. They look for ways to lower operating expenses by adopting more eco-friendly operating practices and they keep in touch with government agencies and suppliers that provide rebates and discounts for green retailing. Just as importantly, they help the store's leadership stay focused on maximizing opportunities to minimize waste. www.retailcouncil.org/training/retailersguides fall 2014 | cANADIAN REtAILER | 25http://www.retailcouncil.org/training/retailersguides