Maybe you've noticed it too. More + more brands are getting into reselling their wares. These brands collect worn items with their own labels on them...give the previous owner a coupon toward a new purchase + resell the used pieces (or use a 3rd party reseller to do so).
I feel like there are a couple of drawbacks to this sort of system. As a seller, the return on my investment would be quite low. I might make more money by selling directly to a buyer on a resale site like Poshmark. But, if convenience is my goal, returning an item for the brand to resell might be worth it. Another drawback to this sort of system is that it takes quality preowned clothing out of the local area.
There are lots of benefits to be had from this sort of system. Brands like Patagonia + Ace & Jig might have items repaired if they are in need of it, before reselling. Brands like Eileen Fisher may even cut up + reimagine more damaged pieces. What a great way to keep clothing out of the landfill + in use!
A buyer of preworn clothing might find it convenient to have a selection of items in one spot. I might know exactly what size I wear in a certain brand. It might also be quite nice to check if an item I'm shopping for is available in the preowned section before I buy it new.
A few brands offering buyback programs + preowned items for resale:
There are a few new ones here...and a few that I'd listed previously have disappeared. It's pretty cool to see more brands recognizing resale as a viable source of revenue...and that's all down to what consumers have signaled to them! So many of us are willing to wear preowned clothing + have the desire to do so! That is really exciting!
Hopefully recognition of the value consumers are placing on sustainability will translate into further action...more fair-trade sewing, more deadstock fabric, more recycled natural fibers, more organic cotton, less synthetic fabrics, more localized supply chains, less overproduction. Let's let our favorite brands (+ everyone else's) know what we want! :)
Love,
Jane
I feel like there are a couple of drawbacks to this sort of system. As a seller, the return on my investment would be quite low. I might make more money by selling directly to a buyer on a resale site like Poshmark. But, if convenience is my goal, returning an item for the brand to resell might be worth it. Another drawback to this sort of system is that it takes quality preowned clothing out of the local area.
There are lots of benefits to be had from this sort of system. Brands like Patagonia + Ace & Jig might have items repaired if they are in need of it, before reselling. Brands like Eileen Fisher may even cut up + reimagine more damaged pieces. What a great way to keep clothing out of the landfill + in use!
A buyer of preworn clothing might find it convenient to have a selection of items in one spot. I might know exactly what size I wear in a certain brand. It might also be quite nice to check if an item I'm shopping for is available in the preowned section before I buy it new.
A few brands offering buyback programs + preowned items for resale:
- Ace & Jig x The Renewal Workshop
- Coclico, Preloved
- Eileen Fisher Renew
- Esby Buy Back
- Hackwith Design Sustain
- Lacausa Replay Market
- Madewell Forever
- Outerworn
- Patgonia Worn Wear
- REI Good & Used
- Sister Katie Hand Me Downs
There are a few new ones here...and a few that I'd listed previously have disappeared. It's pretty cool to see more brands recognizing resale as a viable source of revenue...and that's all down to what consumers have signaled to them! So many of us are willing to wear preowned clothing + have the desire to do so! That is really exciting!
Hopefully recognition of the value consumers are placing on sustainability will translate into further action...more fair-trade sewing, more deadstock fabric, more recycled natural fibers, more organic cotton, less synthetic fabrics, more localized supply chains, less overproduction. Let's let our favorite brands (+ everyone else's) know what we want! :)
Love,
Jane
