A new initiative at Hillside Centre is shining a light on its shops and services that actively pursue ethical and sustainable values.
Through the Difference Makers program, the leadership team works with retailers at the popular Victoria shopping centre to learn more about their values, and then share those values with customers to assist in their shopping experience.
Consumers’ expectations of retailers are evolving, and a retailer’s values may impact where they shop or even work, explains Hillside Marketing Director Michele Paget. Some may wish to support businesses that contribute to local communities, for example, or those that use eco-friendly materials, follow sustainable practices, or ensure their products are not tested on animals.
"It's a priority for Hillside, but most importantly, it's a priority for our customers," Paget says, pointing to the value, too, of sharing knowledge and inspiring others to learn or take action.
With that in mind, the team is researching and highlighting specific programs, initiatives and community connections of its retailers, then sharing those details with shoppers online, through interactive displays at the shopping centre and through social media.
Ethical values embraced by Hillside's Difference Makers include:
- Community
- Donates to charity
- Fair trade
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly
- Uses natural/organic materials
Among those highlighted so far are La Vie en Rose, where many collections are made from organic or recycled fibres, for example, and SpecSavers, which donates used glasses to the Lions Club of Victoria, and features glass cases and several lines of frames that use recycled materials.
The program also aligns with the environmental and social/economic responsibility values of Hillside Centre owner BentallGreenOak, and is one of many initiatives undertaken in recent years, including sustainable building practices during Hillside's renovation, the Bike Valet program encouraging active transportation and the OceanWall – a Salish Sea educational experience for the whole family, Paget notes.
Under community values, Hillside also offers a WIN (Women in Need) clothing-only bag drop-off. Pick up a complimentary bag at Guest Services and fill it with gently worn clothing or small fashion accessories, then return it to Hillside Guest Services (maximum two bags).
As the Difference Makers program expands, Paget is thrilled to highlight the many ways Hillside's retailers are making a difference both locally and around the world. "We're all excited about it," she says, noting she hopes to add a few businesses to the Difference Makers family each week.
How do you know which retailers are Difference Makers?
Look for the globe icon on the Directory Listing beside the store name or the Difference Makers logo on their store window. Note that many other Difference Makers are part of the Hillside family and will be highlighted in the months ahead!
Learn more at hillsidecentre.com/difference-makers and check out some of the current Difference Makers on Hillside's Facebook and Instagram pages!