Date of Graduation

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Finance

Advisor/Mentor

Cho, Eunjoo

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the current business model of small fashion retailers and their green efforts in supply chain management based on the Six-R framework that consists of recycle, reuse, reduce, re-design, recovery, and remanufacture. This study also investigated the impact of COVID-19 on small fashion businesses. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews of owners/employees of four small fashion retailers that addressed sustainable supply chain management, customer segments, and challenges and barriers in green supply chain management, and the effects of COVID-19. Interview findings revealed that small fashion retailers are more likely to implement green supply chain practices through recycling, reusing, and reducing, while neglecting re-designing, re-imagining, and recovering. Using recyclable packaging and donating unused or unwanted clothing were the most frequent sustainable practices performed. Cost and lack of concern were the reasons for not employing green practices. COVID-19 pushed the retailers to deal with their problems in new and creative ways but was hurtful for the businesses overall. The findings suggest that small retailers are more likely to employ green supply chain management when it aligns with their business values. Therefore, retailers must prioritize being environmentally friendly, as more sustainable practices occur when that is the case. Future success of retailing could be determined by sales, innovation, and creating a community.

Keywords

Sustainability

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