DIG360 side project: the intersection of immigrants, labour, and sustainability - and the retail sector.

Sharing this brought some interesting discussion at a recent conference presentation.  I have been working primarily on two side themes the past several years: sustainability is an obvious one from a review of this site.

However, I have for some time been studying the experience of non-western immigrants, their rate and path of acclimatization to Canada, and the experience of their offspring.  Particularly as it relates to our brands and retailers.  We have much opportunity and have only scratched the surface.

Thinking of retail as a hub of community, the interesting intersection is not just of shoppers but the labour market.  But what are the views of new immigrants of our current preoccupation with carbon and environment?  Does that relate in any way to their purchase choices?  Or employment choice (if they have a choice)? The beliefs they or their children bring home...or the ones they share with the rest of Canada?

Ultimately, what role can retail play in exchanging and sharing values and ideas?  I suspect a great role, but one largely untapped to date.  Please share with me your thoughts on this...