Consumers want to buy apparel that is socially and environmentally responsible - they’ll even pay more for it. According to a 2014 study by Nielson, 55% of global online consumers across 60 countries say they are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to positive social & environmental change. Increasingly, social responsibility is a competitive advantage.

As an apparel buyer, you can’t ignore this trend. Purchasing apparel from socially responsible companies can have a huge impact in three overlapping areas:

Your Bottom Line - Happy, Engaged Customers
As stated above, consumers want socially responsible apparel. If you buy apparel from socially responsible companies, individuals will begin to attach your name or brand with a cause. Promoting this apparel using informative hang tags, apparel displays, social media posts, etc. can attract new customers interested in these causes.

Your Company’s Morale - Happy, Engaged Employees
If your company has stated social responsibility goals, these apparel purchases can be an extension of your efforts. Socially responsible companies are more conscious of their moral responsibilities and are more likely to develop strategies that consider their employees and their local community. Employees of socially conscious organizations have more opportunities to feel empowered by their work, instead of feeling like a cog in the machine.

Your Global Impact - Happy, Healthy Garment Workers
Your apparel buying decisions can have a tremendous impact on raising industry standards and the empowerment of garment workers. If you are buying from a company
with socially responsible ethics, you are investing in a better quality of life for the people
creating your apparel.