Selfridges ramps up sustainability credentials
Selfridges has launched a new sustainability initiative to help people change the way they shop.
Called Project Earth, the scheme builds on steps the department store has taken over the last 10 years to place sustainability at the heart of its business.
Selfridges will aim to help customers shop in more sustainable ways by addressing the materials used in products and by launching and exploring new retail models such as repair, rental and resell. The company also said it will be engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mind set and reinvent retail.
Alannah Weston, Selfridges group chairman, said: “For the last decade we have taken ground-breaking steps to put people and planet at the heart of our business, embedding sustainability alongside creativity. Project Earth is not only our bold, new commitment to stretching environmental targets, it is about imagining new ways to do business, within the next five years.
“Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to reinvent retail with sustainability at its heart and a way of working which is regenerative for humans and nature. Achieving our ambitions won’t be easy, but we are in a unique position to be able to work with our team members, partners and customers to co-create change and explore possibilities for a sustainable future.”
Working closely with over 300 brand partners and with support from the Woodland Trust and WWF, Selfridges will be kick starting Project Earth with eight weeks of “experiments, innovations and conversations” across all stores and online.
Through the scheme, the retailer has pledged to ensure that the most environmentally impactful materials used throughout its business come from certified, sustainable sources by 2025. It will also put longevity, creativity and sustainability at the heart of the business and pioneer new retail models and experiences.
Underpinning Project Earth is a broader commitment to science based targets and to achieve Net-zero carbon by 2050.
Anne Pitcher, global managing director of Selfridges Group, said: “We firmly believe evolving the way we do business and supporting change in the way people shop is essential to building a more sustainable business. Selfridges has the platform to change how shopping is done wrapped up in the destinations, experiences and inspiration customers want from us. And the tough, stretching targets we have set ourselves underpin our commitment to change our business and our ambition to imagine and create a sustainable future for our customers.”
