FuturistU > Retail > Rewriting the Rules of Retail > Module 2 / 4

Consumer Centric Retail Through Naturality

Instructor: Ady Floyd
Eco & Sustainability
Download the Eco & Sustainability Trend Report
Trend Hunter defines Naturality as the consumer desire for "connections to experiences and products that connect them to bigger, more important things" such as sustainable retail solutions, products and services. In this module, you'll become familiar with successful business models that are based around Naturality. Additionally, you'll not only learn what types of products are being created through sustainable means but how brands are effectively communicating their eco-friendly stances.

This module will look at industries like fashion, culinary, automotive, CPG and more to help your brand elevate its corporate social responsibility and align to your customer’s sustainability aspirations. Sustainable retail is not just important to your consumer today, but will directly impact your future consumer, too.
Related Trend Report: Eco & Sustainability
Workshop Questions:
1. How might your brand elevate its corporate social responsibility?
2. What are your customers sustainability aspirations? How can your brand deliver that?
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Featured Insights

EcoTainment
Alcohol brands use events to raise environmental awareness
Trend - Alcohol brands are committing to sustainable practices and using events to showcase organizational commits, this includes cocktail competitions, workshops, and more. Many of these events highlight sustainability in various ways including the use of local ingredients, as well as having furniture and glassware that are 100% upcycled.
Workshop Question - What is your brand doing to ensure you can draw in today, and tomorrow's consumers?
4.7
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Megatrends
Futuristic Vegan Cocktail Bars
Futuristic Vegan Cocktail Bars
Neon Tiger Offers an Experience Set in the Year 2048
With clean, free-from foods on the rise, there are a handful of health-focused vegan cocktail bars popping up around the world. In Charleston, South Carolina, Neon Tiger is set to open in March,... MORE
Clean-Air Bars
Clean-Air Bars
Ketel One Vodka is Launching an Eco, Plant-Filled Drinking Space
The Ketel One Urban Garden Collective is set to open in just a few days in London as the city’s first “clean air bar.” While there are plenty of dingy bars and pubs with dark... MORE
play_circle_filledConsumable Whisky Pods
Consumable Whisky Pods
The Glenlivet Capsule Collection is Package-Free
Changing attitudes towards conventional packaging solutions are challenging brands to distribute their products in creative new ways and to do so, whisky brand The Glenlivet unveiled The Glenlivet... MORE
Virtual Cocktail Competitions
Virtual Cocktail Competitions
Sombra Mezcal is Hosting a Sustainable Cocktail Competition
There are plenty of cocktail competitions held at various in-person events throughout the year and around the globe, but Sombra Mezcal is hoping to set itself apart by hosting its first-ever... MORE
play_circle_filledSustainable Cocktail Bars
Sustainable Cocktail Bars
Ketel One Created a Bar Made of Repurposed Post-Consumer Materials
At the world’s largest bartender competition, World Class, Ketel One created a sustainable cocktail bar to get people thinking about the many ways in which they can be kind to the environment.... MORE
Everyday Rental
Brands begin to offer everyday items like clothing and home textiles for rent
Trend - Consumers today are increasingly thoughtful with how they spend, leading many companies--especially those whose products are used infrequently--to offer rental options in lieu of expensive purchase items. Brands that sell products used on an everyday basis, like home decor and casual fashion, are pivoting to offer a rental model as well.
Workshop Question - How will consumers' rising expectations when it comes to value and convenience impact your brand?
5.3
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Baby Clothing Rental Services
Baby Clothing Rental Services
'Tchibo Share' is an Online Baby Clothing Rental Service
German retail brand Tchibo launched an online service called ‘Tchibo Share,’ which is a platform for parents to share and rent out their children’s clothing. This idea follows a... MORE
Homeware Rental Partnerships
Homeware Rental Partnerships
West Elm and Rent the Runway are Teaming Up for Home Decor Rentals
In partnership with West Elm, Rent the Runway is introducing a home decor rental service that will make it possible for consumers to get their hands on everything from pillows and blankets to... MORE
Educational Toy Rental Services
Educational Toy Rental Services
'STEMtrunk' Lets Parents Rent New STEM Toys for Their Young Ones
It can be quite pricy for parents to provide their children with the latest and greatest toys, so ‘STEMtrunk’ has been developed as a subscription toy rental service to help them access... MORE
Designer Clothing Rentals
Designer Clothing Rentals
The Le Tote Subscription Box is an Affordable Way to Have High-End Style
The Le Tote subscription service has created a way for women to rent an unlimited number of clothing items and other accessories for one monthly membership fee. The box offers designer pieces that... MORE
Revamped Consignment
The concept of second-hand designer shops is reinvented for modern consumers
Implications - Considering the Millennial's propensity for eco-consciousness and luxury goods, consignment shopping is a natural fit for their interests. As a result, this style of retail is being revisited and revamped. From digital drop-off consignment to designer-controlled consignment, tweaks to this space show an evolution that takes the Millennial appeal even further.
Workshop Question - What is one movement within your industry that you could own, and how?
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Consignment Jewelry Marketplaces
Consignment Jewelry Marketplaces
'Gleem & Co.' is a Place to Buy and Insure One-of-a-Kind Pieces
Gleem & Co. is the name of a new online marketplace for consignment jewelry and high-end watches. On the site, users are able to buy and sell a range of precious accessory items, from $300... MORE
Luxury Resale Sites
Luxury Resale Sites
Rebagg is an Online Second Market for Luxury Goods
For those on the bleeding edge of luxury fashion, items tend to be highly seasonal, but Rebagg is an online marketplace that benefits those who don’t mind being a season or two behind. The... MORE
Designer-Endorsed Consignment
Designer-Endorsed Consignment
Stella McCartney and The RealReal are Selling Designer Labels
Waste within the fashion industry has a massive impact on the environment, prompting consumers to turn to secondhand and consignment shops in order to purchase more consciously—in light of this,... MORE
Second-Hand Clothing Initiatives
Second-Hand Clothing Initiatives
The New Macy’s Promotion Allows Customers to Exchange Old Clothes
Macy’s recently teamed up with the online consignment service thredUP to give customers the opportunity to exchange old clothing and shoes for gift cards. Following in the footsteps of retailers... MORE
Experiential Consignment Shops
Experiential Consignment Shops
'The Real Real' is a Place to Resell a Variety of Luxury Goods
‘The Real Real’ is a luxury consignment marketplace that recently opened a store in New York City’s prime SoHo shopping neighborhood, offering a brick-and-mortar place for... MORE
Circular Commodity
In the Circular Economy, products are designed in closed loop systems
Implications - Within the Circular Economy, the use of virgin materials and material waste is removed from the use cycle, and existing materials are repurposed to close the use loop. From upcycled linen services to repurposed beer waste, these products and services reintroduce resources into the use cycle that would otherwise be considered waste. The increased popularity of such systems correlates with the rise of the informed consumer, and in this case caters to their propensity for contributing to a more sustainable and waste-free world.
Workshop Question - What would a Circular Economy restructuring look like in your industry?
3.7
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Megatrends
Upcycled Designer Swimwear
Upcycled Designer Swimwear
adidas and Aquafil Have Teamed Up to Design Sustainable Swimwear
adidas and Aquafil have partnered up to create sustainable swimwear using regenerated ocean waste. The circular economy is a popularized term in which regenerated waste is minimized through... MORE
Tampon Delivery Systems
Tampon Delivery Systems
Tampon Delivery Concept 'mCycle' Turns Sanitary Products into Compost
Central Saint Martins graduate, Kaye Toland, has developed a concept that turns sanitary products into compost. Toland is a product design student whose concept for ‘mCycle’ was... MORE
Closed Loop Unisex Sunglasses
Closed Loop Unisex Sunglasses
Ballo Upcycles African Waste To Create Vibrant Sunglasses
Ballo, a Cape Town-based company founded in 2013, makes high-quality closed loop unisex sunglasses from upcycled waste. The shades are made from the offcuts of close-by businesses—such as wood,... MORE
Recycled Linen Programs
Recycled Linen Programs
Coyuchi's Subscription Program Focuses on Sustainability and Textile Waste
This circular subscription program is described as “a Netflix for bedding” that gives your bed linens new life. Home brand Coyuchi employs an initiative called Coyuchi for Life that... MORE
play_circle_filledCircular Economy Sneakers
Circular Economy Sneakers
adidas' Futurecraft Loop Footwear Design is Fully Recyclable
The Futurecraft Loop by adidas is an innovative sneaker that was intentionally created to have a circular life cycle, meaning that the style will be worn to the end of its useful life and then... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Conscious Continuity
Fashion retail is shifting toward traceable and circular ownership
Trend - Fashion and textile brands are merging product traceability with circular retail models—allowing consumers to track sourcing, materials, or ownership histories while participating in conscious ecosystems; systems in which extend product lifecycles to reduce textile waste and overproduction.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create more sustainable experiences that encourage longer product lifecycles and deeper consumer trust?
6.1
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Megatrends
Circular Jewelry Marketplaces
Circular Jewelry Marketplaces
The Alloy Market Resells Estate Jewelry Instead of Melting It
The Alloy Market launched a new marketplace centered on circular jewelry marketplaces that allow estate and fine jewelry pieces to be resold instead of melted for scrap value. Through the... MORE
Circular Fashion Creator Programs
Circular Fashion Creator Programs
Visa and GFA Support Emerging Regenerative Designers
Circular fashion creator programs are helping emerging designers build businesses centered on resale, repair and regenerative fashion practices. The Visa Young Creators: Recycle the Runway... MORE
Circular Textile Materials
Circular Textile Materials
Syre and Target Expanded Their Textile Recycling Partnership
Syre and Target expanded their collaboration to integrate textile-to-textile recycled polyester into Target’s apparel and home categories, with meaningful product integration expected by 2030.... MORE
Fiber-to-Retail Traceability Pilots
Fiber-to-Retail Traceability Pilots
Recover and TextileGenesis Launch a Traceable Textile Pilot
Recover™ and TextileGenesis™ are set to pilot a new digital traceability program. Using Fibercoin™ technology, the initiative will track Recover’s recycled cotton and polycotton from fiber... MORE
Plastic-Free Undergarment
Brands Offer Sustainable Plastic‑free Underwear for Sensitive Skin
Trend - Clothing brands are launching plastic‑free undergarments made from natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and lyocell. These products avoid petroleum‑based synthetics, microplastic‑shedding fabrics, and chemical‑treated elastics, offering biodegradable, low‑impact options for everyday wear.
Workshop Question - How can we innovate our product line to prioritize natural materials and sustainability while addressing consumer concerns about comfort, environmental impact, and skin sensitivity?
3.8
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Sustainable Back-Up Underwear
Sustainable Back-Up Underwear
SparePair Figures As a Practical and Trustworthy Solution to Women
SparePair is a new and modern undergarment brand designed to provide the contemporary woman with a practical solution for unexpected situations — back-up underwear for any occasion. These discreet... MORE
Organic Intimate Pieces
Organic Intimate Pieces
KENT Offers Sustainable Underwear and Basics
KENT offers sustainable underwear and basics designed with both comfort and the planet in mind. Each piece is made from "GOTS-certified 100% organic Supima cotton, a renewable, biodegradable fiber... MORE
Plastic-Free Intimate Apparel
Plastic-Free Intimate Apparel
KENT Unveils 'The Undyed Collection'
KENT has introduced 'The Undyed Collection,' a line of intimate apparel designed with a focus on material transparency, environmental sustainability, and reduced chemical exposure. The collection... MORE
Absorbent Menstrual Underwear
Absorbent Menstrual Underwear
Intimina Debuts 'Bloom' for Sustainable Period Management
Intimina has launched Bloom, a sustainable, high-performance menstrual underwear line designed for all flow levels. This novel product holds up to 20 ml (four tampons’ worth) with advanced leak-... MORE
Affordable Eco-Friendly Intimate Pieces
Affordable Eco-Friendly Intimate Pieces
Primark Introduces a Collection of Period Underwear
A collection of period underwear has been introduced by Primark as part of its effort to expand access to affordable and eco-friendly intimate pieces. In line with initiatives by other major... MORE
Cultivated Unique
Consumers flaunt eccentricity to stand out in a homogenized fashion landscape
Trend - Social media has created unprecedented fashion uniformity, with viral trends spreading instantly across continents. In response, consumers are deliberately seeking out niche, unconventional pieces that resist mainstream adoption. This includes vintage finds, artisan-made accessories, and deliberately mismatched aesthetics that require insider knowledge to appreciate.
Workshop Question - How could your brand help consumers express their individual identity rather than just follow trends?
6.6
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Adorably Decorated Slippers
Adorably Decorated Slippers
French Knot Marks Mother's Day with Stunning Embroidered Slippers
French Knot immediately captures attention with its stunning collection of embroidered slippers. These unique and intricate designs are marked by intense attention to detail and ethical production... MORE
Upcycled Clothing Collections
Upcycled Clothing Collections
The Or Foundation Shows Upcycled Apparel with Vestiaire Collective
The Or Foundation has launched an exclusive upcycled clothing collection in partnership with Vestiaire Collective, spotlighting the artistry of Ghanaian designers while raising awareness about... MORE
Bespoke Handbag Services
Bespoke Handbag Services
Kurt Geiger One-of-A-Kind Lets Customers Make a Mini Kensington Their Own
Personalized touches naturally make luxury experiences feel more unique and meaningful with details that elevate exclusivity and brand connection, and the 'Kurt Geiger One-of-A-Kind' service is a... MORE
Underground Culture-Inspired Collabs
Underground Culture-Inspired Collabs
Vintage Culture x Von Dutch Loves Debut a Capsule Collection
Vintage Culture x Von Dutch Loves kick off a bold fashion chapter as Brazilian DJ Vintage Culture partners with Von Dutch’s sub-label for a limited-edition capsule dropping June 16 on... MORE
Slow Fashion Brands
Slow Fashion Brands
By Syarn Transforms Vintage Fabrics into Sustainable Fashion
By Syarn is redefining sustainable style with handmade bags and accessories crafted from upcycled, deadstock, and vintage fabrics. Founded by Syarn in 2023, this eco-conscious brand prioritizes... MORE
Restaurant Retail
Dining establishments extend brand loyalty through consumer packaged goods
Trend - Restaurant brands are increasingly launching consumer packaged goods to capture revenue beyond their physical locations. From Momofuku's bestselling chili crunch at Whole Foods to Chick-fil-A's signature sauces in grocery aisles, dining establishments are translating their most popular menu items into retail products.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create products that extend customer relationships beyond traditional touchpoints?
4.7
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At-Home QSR Taco Meals
At-Home QSR Taco Meals
The Taco Bell at Home Line Satisfies Cravings at the Comforts of Home
Taco Bell Canada unveils the new Taco Bell at Home line, comprised of 12 meal kits paired perfectly with sauces and seasonings. It brings the signature menu to the comforts of home, available at... MORE
Restaurant-to-Retail Expansions
Restaurant-to-Retail Expansions
Little Sesame Secured $8.5M to Scale Its Manufacturing Operations
D.C.-based Little Sesame has closed an $8.5 million Series A funding round to dramatically expand its hummus production capabilities. The company, founded by Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne, plans to... MORE
Prepackaged QSR Brand Sauces
Prepackaged QSR Brand Sauces
These LEON Grocery Sauces are Headed to Sainsbury's
These LEON Grocery sauces are making their way to the UK market as a series of consumer packaged goods (CPGs) perfect for helping to elevate a range of recipes this summer. The products are each... MORE
At-Home QSR Sauces
At-Home QSR Sauces
Chick-fil-A Parmesan Caesar is Headed to Retailers
The Chick-fil-A Parmesan Caesar dressing is making its way to retailers in the US as part of the QSR brand's continued expansion into offering consumers an easier way to enjoy their favorite menu... MORE
Garlic-Rich Chili Toppings
Garlic-Rich Chili Toppings
Momofuku Debuts Mild Garlic Chili Crunch for Flavor Without Spice
Momofuku Goods has launched the 'Mild Garlic Chili Crunch,' a bold-but-gentle condiment designed to please every palate. This garlic-packed, smoky-sweet, and texture-rich version of the brand’s... MORE
Lyocell Fabric
Clothing manufacturers are turning to lyocell fibre to reduce eco footprints
Trend - Clothing brands are increasingly integrating lyocell fibres into their collections as a sustainable alternative to traditional textiles. Derived from wood pulp processed in a closed-loop system, lyocell offers a low-impact production process that uses less water and fewer chemicals.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage sustainable materials to address growing eco-conscious consumer expectations while maintaining product quality and transparency?
4.2
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Megatrends
It Girl-Approved Apparel Collabs
It Girl-Approved Apparel Collabs
Reformation X Devon Lee Carlson Unveil a Warm Weather Capsule
Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson team up to unveil a limited-edition 20-piece drop that brings together Reformation’s sustainability ethos with Devon’s effortlessly cool, vintage-meets-modern... MORE
Signature Bamboo Bedding Sets
Signature Bamboo Bedding Sets
Panda London's Signature+ Lyocell Bedding Set is Sustainable
The Signature+™ Bamboo Lyocell Bedding Set from Panda London is produced using bamboo lyocell, a material derived from organically grown bamboo that is cultivated without the use of pesticides or... MORE
Fully Sustainable Clothing Brands
Fully Sustainable Clothing Brands
Toad&Co Clothing Utilizes Low Impact Materials and Procedures
Toad&Co Clothing is focused on creating sustainable clothing by using high-quality, low-impact materials designed for durability and long-lasting wear. The brand incorporates fabrics such as... MORE
Conscious Clothing Capsules
Conscious Clothing Capsules
Advance Denim, Tencel and Roica Partner to Debut the LoopTy Collection
Advance Denim, Lenzing’s TENCEL™ brand and ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei are introducing the LoopTy Collection, a new offering that merges sustainability with style and functionality. The collection,... MORE
Material-Scaling Circular Projects
Material-Scaling Circular Projects
Everlane, Eileen Fisher, and Zalando Promote Circular Fabrics
Everlane, Eileen Fisher, and Zalando are introducing a new partnership that champions circular materials in the fashion industry. The partnership responds to the industry's reluctance to buy... MORE
Hyperlocal Evolution
Brands strengthen community connections through enhanced physical experiences
Trend - As consumers flock to physical retail spaces, both established and emerging brands are reimagining their local presence through enhanced experiential offerings. This shift extends beyond traditional retail to include direct-to-consumer brands creating innovative physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create meaningful local connections with or without a permanent retail space?
6.9
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Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
The Magical House of Chanel Opens its Doors at Harrods
Chanel Beauté has launched its exclusive pop-up, ‘The Magical House of Chanel,’ at Harrods, which will be open until October 24. This pop-up features a range of experiences, including... MORE
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
The Perfume Shop Experiential Store is Located in Stockport
The Perfume Shop experiential store has been launched by the brand in the UK in Stockport to provide shoppers with an immersive new experience to check out this year. The location is slated to open... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
In-Store Dating Experiences
In-Store Dating Experiences
IKEA and Breeze Partnered for Valentine's Day Date Experiences
IKEA and Breeze have announced a new partnership in the UK that will provide consumers with a chance to get romantic with a special someone this Valentine's Day. The partnership will see nine... MORE
Sustainable Festivity
Cultural products are redesigned to promote eco-friendly celebrations
Trend - Consumers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices in their religious and traditional celebrations to reduce waste. From selecting sustainable gift wraps to repurposing leftover foods, these individuals are finding meaningful ways to align their festivities with modern environmental values.
Workshop Question - How can your brand showcase a comprehensive and culturally relevant approach to sustainability?
4.6
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Vibrant Reusable Gift Wraps
Vibrant Reusable Gift Wraps
Keiko Furoshiki Merges Japanese Tradition with Sustainable Design
Keiko Furoshiki is a brand that combines Japanese tradition with sustainable design, offering eco-friendly alternatives for holiday gifting. As the recipient of “Dreamday’s 2nd Annual... MORE
Ramadan-Ready Upcycled Apparel
Ramadan-Ready Upcycled Apparel
Stella McCartney Unveils an Upcycled Collection for Ramadan and Eid
Stella McCartney is launching the Rose Capsule, a new seasonal release that celebrates Ramadan, which starts in March, and Eid in April. The capsule showcases luxurious garments crafted from vibrant... MORE
Eco-Minded Ramadan Programs
Eco-Minded Ramadan Programs
Hilton Encourages a Sustainable Ramadan with Initiatives in Türkiye
Hilton has announced the continuation of its Green Ramadan initiative across six of its hotels in Türkiye, a forward-thinking program designed to reduce food waste during the holy month... MORE
Sustainable Idol-Finding Apps
Sustainable Idol-Finding Apps
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Unveils a New Ganesha App
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has pioneered the development of a dedicated mobile application. This app is designed to facilitate the procurement of environmentally sustainable... MORE