Purpose-driven retail is more than a trend — it’s reshaping industries, inspiring innovation and delivering tangible benefits to people and the planet. In this special compilation episode, Retail Gets Real revisits some of our most inspiring conversations with leaders who are using their businesses as forces for good. From rescuing food and reducing waste to building sustainable supply chains, uplifting communities and listening to the next generation, these stories highlight how values-driven strategies create lasting impact.
Starbucks’ nationwide FoodShare program was born from baristas’ concerns about throwing away unsold food at the end of the day. Kelly Goodejohn shares how, in partnership with Feeding America in the United States and Second Harvest in Canada, Starbucks developed a safe, operationally simple system to redirect unsold meals to those in need — 365 days a year, across 10,000 coffeehouses. Delivery drivers pick up refrigerated donations during regular routes, ensuring food reaches food banks within 24 hours. The program not only addresses food insecurity but also diverts significant waste from landfills, pairing community impact with environmental benefits.
At Whole Foods, quality standards drive everything from sourcing to customer experience. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk explains how the grocer blends everyday staples with unique culinary finds while making them more affordable and accessible. The commitment spans animal welfare-rated meats, organic salmon and grass-fed lamb, with strong supplier partnerships ensuring products are farmed and raised responsibly. For Whole Foods, nourishing people and the planet means balancing freshness, ethical sourcing and accessibility — creating a holistic system that benefits customers, suppliers and the environment.
Sustainability at IKEA begins in the design phase, with choices about materials and supplier partnerships aimed at reducing environmental impact. Mardi Ditze describes how the company supports suppliers in their own sustainability journeys, then extends the same values to store operations in the U.S. Over 90% of IKEA units now use renewable energy — producing more than they consume — while aggressively composting, recycling and donating before discarding. By scaling home-level sustainability practices to stores “the size of small cities,” IKEA proves that circular thinking can work globally.
For Kendra Scott, giving back is a business pillar, not a seasonal campaign. CEO Tom Nolan shares how the brand has donated over $65 million in the past decade through more than 21,000 mostly philanthropic events in 2023 alone. From local fundraisers to a new Make-A-Wish partnership, the company’s community focus fuels both impact and growth, strengthening connections with customers while driving top- and bottom-line success.
LEGO’s community-building efforts extend beyond products to in-store events, fan-driven design platforms and official programs for adult enthusiasts. Martin Urrutia details how fans submit creations via ideas.lego.com, with top-voted designs potentially becoming official sets. By embracing creativity at every age, LEGO turns retail spaces into social hubs where shared passions thrive.
Consumer research expert Rachel Bonsignore explains that Gen Z is motivated by activism, sustainability and education. More likely than previous generations to engage in protests or join volunteer groups, they expect brands to align with their values on climate, equity and social justice. While many still seek deeper knowledge, their frustration with environmental degradation — and their purchasing choices — is pushing retailers to act.
Listen to the full episode to hear how these purpose-driven leaders are redefining what it means to succeed in retail — and why doing good is good business.
Hear more on how retail is making a valuable impact across the nation.
Episode 386: Inside Starbucks’ commitment to thriving communities
Episode 379: Whole Foods’ holistic approach to merchandising and customer service
Episode 373: How LEGO builds community and embraces innovation
Episode 361: How Gen Z is redefining retail
Episode 348: How Ikea is leading the way on sustainability
Episode 346: How Kendra Scott delivers on a ‘fashion-for-philanthropy’ vision
(00:00:00) Starbucks’ nationwide food rescue program
How a partner-led idea became a companywide initiative
The logistics of collecting and redistributing unsold meals
Why the program benefits both communities and the environment
(00:04:46) Whole Foods’ approach to quality and accessibility
Balancing premium products with broader affordability
Sourcing strategies that meet strict quality standards
Trends driving growth in fresh and specialty foods
(00:07:54) IKEA’s full-circle sustainability strategy
Designing products with recycled and responsible materials
Supporting suppliers in their sustainability journeys
How store operations reduce waste and generate renewable energy
(00:10:13) Kendra Scott’s model for fashion-driven philanthropy
Why giving back is a pillar of the business, not a campaign
Partnerships that directly impact local communities
How community focus supports growth and brand loyalty
(00:11:53) LEGO’s community-building through creativity
Turning retail stores into spaces for shared passions
How fan-created designs can become official LEGO sets
Programs that engage and inspire builders of all ages
(00:14:15) Gen Z’s influence on the future of retail
The values and causes driving Gen Z consumer choices
How activism shapes expectations for brands
Why education and transparency matter to young shoppers
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