Online marketplace eBay UK has launched Imperfects, a platform to sell fashion items that are considered new but have slight defects.
Describing the platform as the fashion equivalent to supermarkets’ ‘wonky veg’ initiative, which launched in a bid to cut food waste, eBay is working with various brands to help build in more circular consumption habits.
Circular economy business, Sole Responsibility, which works with companies such as JD Sports to divert seconds and returned items from landfill, is supporting eBay with the initiative.
The eBay Imperfects range offers clothes, shoes and accessories from retailers and brands such as North Face, Off White, Puma, Fila, and Timberland at up to 60% off because of defects including scuffs, marks, missing buttons and loose threads.
Some items will be ex-display which means they can’t be sold at full price as they did not meet the manufacturer’s strict quality standards.
All imperfections are clearly labelled in the listing with accompanying photos, according to eBay, meaning customers know exactly what they are getting when they make their purchase. An Imperfects purchase also come with free shipping and 30 day returns, with a money-back guarantee.
Jemma Tadd, head of fashion at eBay UK, commented: “With growing financial pressures and the climate crisis continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds, we’re proud to launch Imperfects as another avenue to help keep fashion items out of landfill.
“It’s often the fashion items that may have not made the ‘cut’ and failed quality assurance checks – as a result customers would not have had the opportunity to purchase the items. eBay is providing a platform for these items to be given a second chance, and be sold, despite their imperfections.”
Simon Payne, founder of Sole Responsibility, which has built a business selling seconds on eBay UK, said: “Imperfect clothing, while perhaps not being able to be sold at retail price by brands, still deserves a space in someone’s wardrobe.”
He added: “eBay’s new online destination will continue to save thousands of high-quality fashion items from going to waste too soon and help the conscious-minded consumer get their hands on in-demand brands.”
The Imperfects offering is located on eBay’s Brand Outlet hub, and launched this week to coincide with Earth Day 2022 (22 April).
[Image credit: eBay]
