Ikea executive Cristina Rutgers-Astolfi talks green retail initiatives and their appeal to younger consumers
Cristina Rutgers-Astolfi, Global Head of Analytics Ikea Customer Support, has taken to social media to discuss retailers embracing eco-friendly practices and how this can attract and retain customers.
Responding to an article looking at how sustainable product returns can pull in shoppers, she said in a LinkedIn post: “Online shopping is made so easy now that you can order something today, have it arrive tomorrow, and return it if you don’t like it the day after.”
“But realistically, what impact is this having on an already strained environment?”
She added: “To put it into perspective: between 15%-40% of purchases made online are returned, which contributes to five billion pounds of waste annually.”
“I for one, would love to see more retailers embracing eco-friendly practices not only through production and sales but also as part of the post-purchase process.”
“And this goes beyond the environment - as younger consumers favour companies with sustainable values, this shift will be key to retaining their business.”
2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Green retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.
The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.
Key 2024 dates
Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed
30th October-6th November: Judging days
Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.
Continue reading…