Sustainability - our corporate responsibility
As a textile and non-food discounter, we are committed to good quality at good prices. However, we do not cut corners when it comes to sustainability. For us, sustainability is an integral part of corporate management. We are aware of our corporate responsibility and take it very seriously. We not only ensure compliance with legal requirements, such as the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains, but also uphold human rights and respect the environment along our supply chain. Because people and the planet matter to us.
THE KiK SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
We developed a sustainability strategy in 2023. Within this strategy, we have already defined specific targets for the areas of environment, social affairs and governance.
- Reduce emissions from our business activities, including energy and all upstream and downstream activities
- Reducing the use of harmful chemicals and wastewater pollution in our textile supply chain
- Use of recycled materials in the product range and in product and transport packaging as well as reduction in the use of resources
- Increasing occupational safety at all production sites through compliance with international building safety standards
- Promotion of fair working practices with a focus on the advancement of women in the supply chain and compliance with minimum wages and overtime regulations
- Development of society through education and health programs in Bangladesh and expansion of internal training opportunities
- Compliance with regulations and business ethics
- Maintaining a value-oriented corporate culture
- Management of professional supplier relationships and payment practices
- Provision of a protection system for whistleblowers
ESG areas
10 REASONS WHY KiK IS SO AFFORDABLE
We achieve our low prices by focusing on the essentials — including long-term assortment planning, countercyclical production and cost-effective shipping routes. We consistently apply the discount principle, continuously optimize our business processes and embrace the “art of omission.”
Few changes to the product range
Countercyclical production
Timely quality control
Affordable sea transportation
Fast goods turnover
Affordable store locations
No intermediate trade
Smart distribution
Moderate marketing
Pre-commissioning
The Journey of a T-Shirt
The first step is sourcing the raw material — the cultivation and harvesting of cotton. KiK sources cotton from various regions around the world.
In an industrial process, impurities are removed and the cotton is prepared for further processing.
The cotton is spun into yarns, which are then processed into woven or knitted fabrics.
The T-shirt fabric is dyed and, if required, refined with printed designs. It is then transported from the raw material facility to the final production site.
At one of the textile factories KiK cooperates with, the fabric is cut, sewn into a finished product, and packaged.
The goods are shipped by sea from our production countries to Europe. From there, they are delivered to one of our four logistics centers.
From our logistics centers, the products are usually transported by truck to one of our more than 4,200 stores across 14 European countries.
What Matters to Us
Our affordable prices enable many people to purchase good-quality, durable everyday products that they might not otherwise afford. In doing so, we promote social participation and help democratize consumer access.
Low prices and good quality are not mutually exclusive. Amid ongoing inflation, more and more people are reconsidering whether they want—or can afford—to pay a premium for a brand logo.
KiK is explicitly not a fast fashion retailer. We focus on long-lasting favorite items instead of disposable goods. Our customers typically wear KiK garments longer than average.
At the store level, we continuously reduce prices on unsold items until they are purchased. As a result, unlike many other retailers, KiK maintains an extremely low surplus rate of less than 1%.
We work closely and reliably with our suppliers on a long-term basis. Through on-site visits and independent audits of our production facilities, we ensure that all required standards are consistently met.
Our affordable prices enable many people to purchase good-quality, durable everyday products that they might not otherwise afford. In doing so, we promote social participation and help democratize consumer access.
Low prices and good quality are not mutually exclusive. Amid ongoing inflation, more and more people are reconsidering whether they want—or can afford—to pay a premium for a brand logo.
KiK is explicitly not a fast fashion retailer. We focus on long-lasting favorite items instead of disposable goods. Our customers typically wear KiK garments longer than average.
At the store level, we continuously reduce prices on unsold items until they are purchased. As a result, unlike many other retailers, KiK maintains an extremely low surplus rate of less than 1%.
We work closely and reliably with our suppliers on a long-term basis. Through on-site visits and independent audits of our production facilities, we ensure that all required standards are consistently met.
