Business as a Force for Good: Exploring B Corp Business Cases in the US Fashion Industry Through Quadruple Bottom Line Theory and Mixed Method Approach

This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design and employed the quadruple bottom line sustainability framework to unveil the fashion B Corp business purpose and corresponding social, environmental, and economic practices. The quantitative phase involved the systematic review of B Impact scores for 91 certified fashion B Corps in the US. The qualitative phase involved semi‐structured interviews with three B Corp founders. The findings highlight fashion B Corps as extreme industry outliers, with less than 4% of certified businesses. Yet, these special pro‐social enterprises are undertaking unorthodox business initiatives to prove that it is possible to “walk the sustainability walk” while remaining profitable. Exploring B Corps as an emerging entrepreneurial phenomenon is critical for maximizing social impact while reshaping the fashion sector into a force for good. Similarly, as a community of changemakers, B Corp businesses can serve as examples of Sustainable Development for disparate industries.