Climate Friendly Transport: A Study on Sustainable Trade Logistics in Multi-Channel Retail based on a Survey of Floristry Retailers in Germany

Abstract

Retail is currently in a state of upheaval due to digitalization and the associated booming online trade. Sales figures in stationary retail are stagnating. Online trading offers advantages through convenience and quick availability that customers no longer do not want to miss. Due to climate change, retailers and customers have changed their mind set towards more sustainability. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products, so retailers must act appropriately to be both digital and climate-friendly in the future. The aim of this exploratory study is to use the example of floristry retailers to analyze whether they are growing with digitalization and whether they are taking sustainable initiatives to act as climate-friendly as possible. In addition, the florists' whole value chain is examined for climate friendliness. The results of the exploratory online survey of 68 floristry businesses in Germany show that both digitalization as well as climate and sustainability awareness play a significant role in floristry retail.

Keywords

• Climate Friendly Transport
• Commercial Business Administration
• Floristry Retail
• Multi-Channel Retail
• Sustainability Management
• Sustainable Trade Logistics