SUSTAINABLE MERCHANDISING PRACTICES IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

As the textile business faces serious environmental and social issues, sustainable retailing techniques have become more and more important. With an emphasis on the opportunities and challenges that influence the industry's development, this study explores the intricate terrain of integrating sustainable practices in the textile industry and commerce. The study aims to provide useful information to companies looking to improve their sustainability credentials while preserving their competitive edge. The main issue discussed is the discrepancy between the increasing aspirations for sustainability and the implementation's practical difficulties, especially in intricate global supply chains. The study uses a qualitative research methodology based on thorough secondary data analysis, looking at academic literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable merchandising methods. The study highlights several important conclusions, including the following: the adoption of sustainable practices is severely hampered by financial barriers, especially for SMEs; the lack of standardized sustainability metrics makes implementation more difficult; digital technologies and the circular economy provide promising solutions for improving sustainability; and water consumption and chemical waste continue to be the main environmental challenges. The use of secondary data and the quick changes in sustainability practices are two major drawbacks that could compromise the findings' long-term relevance. By identifying gaps in current frameworks and combining current information on sustainable merchandising methods, the study advances theory. The study offers practitioners strategic recommendations for putting sustainable practices into practice, such as standardizing sustainability metrics, investing in waterless dyeing technologies, creating creative financial models, and utilizing digital technologies to increase supply chain transparency. While preserving revenue, these insights can help companies navigate the shift to more sustainable operations.