Retail is evolving beyond just selling products; it’s becoming a force for social change. 

More businesses are adopting social enterprise retail models, leveraging profits to support initiatives such as retail workforce development, community outreach, and ethical sourcing.

One standout example is Warp Corps, a purpose-driven retail shop started by Rob Mutert in Woodstock, Illinois, that blends commerce with community impact. 

Read on to learn about social enterprise in retail and five ways you can use it to create social change. 

What is Social Enterprise in Retail?

Social enterprise in retail is a business that generates revenue while prioritizing a social mission. 

At Warp Corps, retail serves two key functions:

• A revenue stream – The store sells ethically sourced skate gear, apparel, and local artisan products to fund community initiatives.
• A workforce builder – Young employees gain hands-on experience in customer service, visual merchandising, and business operations.

Unlike traditional retail, where profits go to shareholders, social enterprises reinvest their earnings into causes like retail workforce development, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. 

As Warp Corps’ founder Rob Mutert puts it, “Retail is a great way to help fund ourselves and our mission and also use that as a platform in what I call workforce development for young kids to teach them things that they might need to know, even if it’s just for a little bit of time in their life.” 

By leveraging retail as both a revenue generator and a learning platform, social enterprises uplift and actively support their communities. 

5 Ways Warp Corps is Using Retail to Create Social Change

1. Training the Next Generation Through Retail Workforce Development

Warp Corps has redefined what it means to be a traditional retailer. It has become a training ground for young people seeking to gain valuable retail workforce development skills. Employees receive hands-on experience in customer service, inventory management, and business operations. They can also work in Warp Corps’ print shop, where they learn the importance of visual merchandising and the ins and outs of apparel production.

If you’re looking to teach the next generation, start with internships. 

Internship programs provide students with opportunities to gain real-world retail experience. To get traction, partner with schools in your neighborhood. This will create a pipeline of skilled and motivated employees while strengthening your ties to the local community.

2. Using Retail to Promote Awareness and Community Engagement

Warp Corps uses its retail space for good. They promote social awareness on progressive topics by hosting events and workshops on mental health, addiction prevention, and workforce training. By integrating community outreach into its business model, the store has transformed itself into a community hub. 

Ready to take your community engagement to the next level? Host events that will positively impact your customers and align with your store’s mission. You can start by hosting educational events, donation drives, or in-store workshops. 

Partnering is a great way to do this effectively. Look for local nonprofits that can help with sponsorship and spread awareness to those outside your niche clientele.

3. Prioritizing Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

A core aspect of Warp Corps’ retail model is its commitment to ethical sourcing. They partner with local artists and independent brands, many of which create sustainable products. Warp Corps also runs its own screen printing operation, allowing them to create their merchandise in-house.

Transitioning to sustainable practices can be challenging without a clear starting point for implementing changes. If you’re ready to adopt a purpose-driven retail model, start by evaluating your supply chains. 

Choosing fair-trade suppliers is key to being a successful social enterprise. To continue these efforts, stock locally made products to help reduce waste. These simple things will make all the difference!

4. Reinvesting Retail Profits into Social Programs

As a retailer, you might have only one thing on your mind: profit. Rather than focusing solely on profits, social enterprises like Warp Corps reinvest a portion of their earnings into youth programming, addiction prevention initiatives, and job training programs. By using retail as a funding mechanism, stores can sustain their social mission without relying entirely on donations or grants.

You can implement a similar approach by allocating a percentage of sales toward social causes, sponsoring community programs, or even offering scholarships for retail workforce development. 

Customers are more likely to support businesses that actively give back, making this a win-win for both social impact initiatives and business growth.

5. Creating a Retail Environment That Builds Community

One of Warp Corps’ most unique aspects is the sense of belonging it creates. Customers visit the store to shop and connect with like-minded individuals, support local art, and participate in a larger mission. The store’s layout, product selection, and atmosphere also create a welcoming and purpose-driven space.

To foster a similar environment, focus on curating an in-store experience that reflects your values. Featuring local artists, creating lounge areas for community engagement, and highlighting mission-driven products can ensure your retail space truly resonates with customers.

Conclusion

Warp Corps demonstrates that making a meaningful impact on the community while simultaneously growing a successful business is possible. Whether through retail workforce development, ethical sourcing, or purpose-driven retail, businesses have the power to make a difference.

The future of retail careers isn’t just about what you sell but more about your impact on those around you.

Want to learn more about how retailers are driving change? Read more inspiring retail stories from retail leaders across Illinois that are making a difference.

If you loved learning about Warp Corp’s story and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer to submit your nomination!