How Social Procurement Is Changing the Way Companies Do Business

A company’s value is no longer measured solely by its bottom line or profit margins. Now more than ever, customers are actively choosing to do business with companies whose corporate footprint has a positive impact on the greater community — with companies that keep social, environmental, and ethical concerns in mind when conducting business. It’s called corporate social responsibility (CSR).

One way businesses can boost their CSR is by participating in social procurement, or “buying for good.” Here’s what that looks like in practice as it pertains to our Minneapolis-based commercial office furniture business: 

Say your company has decided to undergo an office renovation or remodel. You could look at your office furniture distributor as simply a vendor, as a means to an end. Or, you could see them as a partner in social change.

When you choose a distributor like Furnish Office & Home, you complete that same office project while also investing in the lives of people in your community. That’s because we’re a proud social enterprise of EMERGE Community Development. 

We operate differently from other office furniture dealers. Every purchase of a wholesale office chair or used cubicle contributes to our powerful mission of creating jobs by providing pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers; promoting sustainability by partnering with Second Chance Recycling to divert as much furniture as possible from landfills; and building community wealth by keeping dollars within the local economy. 

The good news for companies trying to improve their CSR is that choosing social procurement doesn't mean sacrificing quality. With one of the largest showrooms of used commercial office furniture in the state, we provide the same professional-grade products you’d expect from a top-tier office furniture manufacturer but at a fraction of the cost — and with an impact your employees will be proud to share with customers and clients.

Your next office upgrade can do more than just improve your floor plan. It can transform a life. Next time you search for a commercial furniture store, look for a partner that helps you furnish with purpose. We promise it’s much more fulfilling than sourcing from a faceless national business furniture company.

Ready to transform your space and your community? Visit our Minneapolis showroom today.