How Retailers Could Contribute to Sustainable Development

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to show that, in the contemporary economy, retailers could significantly contribute to sustainable development. Such an approach, from the industry point-of-view, is taken as large multinational companies, operating in many countries and managing supply chains, are so powerful that they often indicate how goods should by manufactured, as well as are able to shape consumer preferences. Although their impact on the environment is not as bad as other industries, e.g., chemicals, they still could do a great deal to reduce the emission of CO₂ and waste, while at the same time reducing costs (eco-efficiency). Retailers could also promote sustainable consumption by offering sustainable products (also own brand) and information campaigns; sustainable production by responsible procurement policies; contribute to the careers of women (who make up the majority of sales forces in retail) and to make men and women more equal, and so on. Conceptual and empirical research on these topics, from emerging economies, well-developed countries, as well as comparative studies of these problems in well- and less-developed countries, is welcomed. Work can be located, e.g., in the theories of competitive advantage development, institutional, and internationalization of retail activities, as well as the development of CSR concepts.

Prof. Dr. Grażyna Śmigielska
Prof. Ann Fairhurst
Guest Editors

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