What is Double Retail?
Double Retail is a retail design agency that’s shaking things up by putting sustainability front and center. They work with international brands to design, engineer, and build retail and commercial spaces that truly express brand values — but with a twist. Their mission? To create better retail that’s sustainable retail. It’s not just about looking good or making a sale; it’s about reducing environmental impact and inspiring positive change within the retail industry. They believe in respectful relationships, a happy and supportive work environment, and building a responsible future for both their industry and their community. Simply put, Double Retail is all about shaping the future of sustainable retail design from the inside out.
Main Benefits of Double Retail’s Approach
Double Retail’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just talk — it’s backed by real actions and impressive figures:
- First UK retail design & build business to become a Certified B Corporation® (June 2020)
- All energy used comes from renewable sources
- Annual energy reduction targets set and actively pursued
- Office supplies sourced only from responsible suppliers
- 0.25% of annual revenue donated to charity
- Each team member dedicates 2 working days per year to charitable giving
- Offsetting of all greenhouse gas Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2020
- Commitment to becoming an employee-owned business
- Regular publication of financial reports to all stakeholders
How Double Retail Achieves Sustainable Store Design
The retail design industry can be, well, pretty wasteful. From material extraction to manufacturing and the notorious throw-away culture — especially plastic waste — there’s a lot to fix. Double Retail’s goal is to flip the script. They push for responsible practices in every design and build project, encouraging brands, retailers, and suppliers to widen their perspective on environmental impact. Their design and operational processes are crafted to make sustainability a natural part of retail environments, not an afterthought. It’s about creating spaces that benefit more than just the bottom line.
The Power of Being a Certified B Corporation
Becoming a Certified B Corporation® is no small feat. It means meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Double Retail proudly earned this status, joining a global movement of businesses using their power for good. The B Corp assessment is rigorous, measuring performance across governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment. For Double Retail, this certification isn’t the finish line — it’s just the beginning of a continuous journey to be better for their people, their community, and the planet.
People, Planet, Profit: The Triple Bottom Line
Double Retail lives by the mantra of People, Planet, Profit — balancing all three to create meaningful impact. They dedicate time and resources to charitable causes, build fair and respectful relationships, and educate others through published work and events. Every live project is measured for its environmental and social impact, ensuring accountability. They act decisively on climate change by setting energy reduction targets and offsetting emissions. Plus, their business structure encourages collective strength and innovation, with a self-managing team that values every voice through consensus decision-making. It’s a fresh way of working that’s as sustainable as their designs.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to Double Retail
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Business Structure and Culture at Double Retail
Double Retail’s business structure is pretty unique — it’s the result of lots of experimenting and a strong belief in better ways of working together. They operate as a self-managing team, giving everyone an equal platform to share ideas and innovate. Individual skills and responsibilities are respected, but collective strength drives the business forward. Monthly meetings cover everything from finances to wellbeing, recruitment to marketing, and more. Decisions that affect the whole team are made by consensus, ensuring every voice is heard. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also aligns perfectly with their mission to be a responsible, sustainable business.
