Sustainable Business Practices in the Retail Sector: Balancing Profit with Environmental Responsibility

Abstract

Sustainable business practices are becoming a key consideration for companies across industries, especially in the retail sector, which has a significant environmental footprint due to its high resource use, waste generation, and global supply chains. This paper explores how retail businesses are adopting sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and eco-friendly product design, to balance profit with environmental responsibility. The study analyzes the drivers, challenges, and benefits of integrating sustainability into retail operations. The findings suggest that while challenges such as high costs and supply chain complexity exist, the adoption of sustainable practices can enhance brand reputation, drive customer loyalty, and potentially lead to long-term profitability.