How Retailers Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprint with Click and Collect

Lots of people talk about the weather nowadays — not so much out of politeness, but rather out of concern.
Record-breaking temperatures, heat waves, floods, and other extreme phenomena are felt by Australians everywhere.
There is no denying that climate change is affecting not only our day-to-day lives and well-being, but the business environment as well.

The good news is that the retail industry is one of the most powerful changemakers and trendsetters in our society.
It can have a significant positive impact through the way it operates and what it chooses to promote.
Even small changes in shipping policies, like offering a click-and-collect service, can have a terrific impact — without compromising on efficiency or quality.

In this article, we’ll focus on the often overlooked potential of click and collect to lower the carbon footprint of your shop.
If you own an e-commerce business or have an online shopping feature that complements your brick-and-mortar location, then this article is for you.

Customers Are Concerned About the Shipping Carbon Footprint

Earth Overshoot Day takes place earlier and earlier each year (July 28th in 2022 vs. December 25th in 1971!).
No wonder sustainable consumption is a hot topic for both businesses and consumers.

A 2022 report by KPMG Australia showed:

• 80% of consumers prefer brands that align with their values

• 54% say buying decisions are influenced by a company’s environmental and social record
  Source: KPMG Australian Retail Outlook 2022

Retailers in Australia and New Zealand are now weaving sustainability into their core strategy — setting net-zero goals and prioritising sustainable materials.

When it comes to the carbon footprint of the transport sector, it's responsible for about one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from diesel-powered trucks.

Click and collect offers a compelling alternative — allowing customers to pick up online orders from stores instead of relying on fuel-burning delivery vehicles.

How Does Click and Collect Reduce the Shipping Carbon Footprint?

Click and collect is a simple “shop online, pickup in-store” model.

Customers use an online booking platform (like Storeplay IQ) to schedule a time and location for collection.
This reduces shipping emissions and brings added benefits:

• Less packaging = less plastic and lower costs

• Less traffic during peak periods like Black Friday

• Increased basket size when customers save on shipping

• Fewer failed deliveries = fewer return trips

• Convenience for Gen Z and time-poor customers

• Shipping cost savings — a major motivator for customers

• Faster fulfilment compared to home delivery

• Reduced reliance on third-party transport

• Improved accessibility — couriers can prioritise those who need delivery

• More connected digital experience with promos and feedback

• A simple win for sustainability and customer satisfaction

For more on the basics of click and collect, see our article:
“The Benefits of Click and Collect to Retailers and Consumers.”

‘The Last Mile’ Is the Shopping Stage That Makes a Difference

A 2020 study by UK and Dutch researchers found that the “greenest” shopping method is a mix of online and in-store shopping.
The biggest emissions differences came from the “last mile” — how products are delivered to the customer.

Switching to electric bikes instead of diesel vans cut emissions by up to 42%.

This is great news for retailers:
Click and collect allows for hybrid convenience and lower impact, especially if combined with greener transport options.

Make a Change with Storeplay IQ

If you're ready to make a real difference, start by looking at your shipping carbon footprint.

Storeplay IQ makes it easy to launch a seamless click and collect solution — giving you:

• A more efficient retail operation

• Happier, more loyal customers

• A smaller environmental impact

We’ve helped major retailers like Kmart, Target, The Athlete’s Foot, and The Trybe make the shift.
If you're ready to take action, get in touch with Storeplay IQ today — we’re here to help.