# By Navigating Sustainability and Responsible Retail, Businesses Can Reach Better Ethical and Profit Achievements

By Christine Russo · Published 2023-11-30 · Updated 2026-06-08 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/navigating-sustainability-and-responsible-retail-businesses-reach-achievements
Creator hub: What Just Happened

> Retailers who embed ethical practices into their operations unlock competitive advantages while building long-term financial resilience

## Key points

- Emphasizing ethical practices in retail offers competitive advantages.
- Integrating ESG practices can align profitability with responsibility.
- Strategic sourcing and consumer engagement are key to sustainability.

Block Field

The world is in an era where [sustainability](https://marketscale.com/industries/retail/sustainability-in-retail-is-more-than-a-checkmark-it-must-be-a-core-tenant/) and responsible retail business practices are increasingly crucial. For the latest episode of “[What Just Happened](https://marketscale.com/shows/what-just-happened/),” host Christine Russo further explored the hows and whys of this pressing issue by interviewing [**Cara Smyth**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-smyth-b6a89635/), Global Senior Managing Director for ESG and Responsible Retail at [**Accenture**](https://www.accenture.com/us-en), and Chair of the Board at [**Fashion Makes Change**](https://www.fashionmakeschange.org/).

This episode explored the [evolving landscape of sustainability](https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/the-sustainability-landscape-is-evolving#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20changing%20rapidly,the%20just%20transition%20and%20biodiversity.) in the retail sector. Russo and Smyth discussed the concepts of responsible retail, sustainability, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in business. Smyth, with her extensive experience in the apparel industry and a strong focus on sustainability, shared her point of view on how businesses can align profitability with environmental and social responsibility. The conversation covered various aspects of retail, from sourcing, to consumers, and even down to a game plan for a comprehensive approach towards sustainability. Smyth emphasized the importance of profitable and responsible business practices, not just for short-term gains but for long-term sustainability and ethical operations. Their discussion offers a valuable perspective for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of sustainability and responsible retail.

> Smyth emphasized the importance of profitable and responsible business practices, not just for short-term gains but for long-term sustainability and ethical operations.

Tags: Accenture, Cara Smyth, Christine Russo, Fashion Makes Change, responsible retail, retail, sustainability, What Just Happened

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