The climate tech making retail smarter and more profitable

The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to changing consumer behaviors and environmental concerns. Many retailers are still operating with outdated systems that are no longer sustainable. However, forward-thinking companies are adapting by deploying climate solutions that address core business challenges and transform how products are valued. Two companies, Trove and Wasteless, are leading the way in this new approach to retail. Trove enables brands to run recommerce in-house, maintaining control over quality, pricing, and the customer experience. This approach has already gone mainstream, with US secondhand apparel sales approaching $50 billion in 2024. Brands that adopt this model can benefit from higher margins, lower acquisition costs, and higher lifetime value. Wasteless, on the other hand, uses AI-driven dynamic discounting to reduce food waste and increase profits for supermarkets. By redesigning systems to prioritize better outcomes, these companies are creating a new climate advantage that benefits both the environment and their bottom line. Ultimately, the most effective retail innovations are those that solve real business problems while also reducing emissions.