Sports brand New Balance has launched a resale platform powered by tech company Archive, called New Balance Reconsidered.
Described as a resale and trade-in programme, the new dedicated website allows consumers in the US to shop for “gently worn” or “almost new” New Balance footwear. People can trade in their shoes via mail or in-store drop-off in return for a voucher to use when making their next purchase from the brand online.
Initially reported by Forbes, Reconsidered is currently only available to customers in the US and the in-store trade-in element is being piloted at eight retail locations before it is scaled into more stores across the country later this year.
John Stokes, director of sustainability at New Balance, commented: “We know the footwear industry has a significant environmental impact, including too many products ending up in a landfill.
“There are many things that have to shift. Launching Reconsidered is one piece of the puzzle with a programme objective to help extend product life for some of our product and get the most from what is already made.”
Products available on Reconsidered include almost new inventory from New Balance such as consumer returns and cosmetically imperfect footwear that cannot be sold as new. Trade-ins from customers that have been cleaned as needed will sit alongside them.
Archive will work with its partner Tersus Solutions, which operates a waterless cleaning technology and textile reclamation service, and is managing the logistics and cleaning for the Reconsidered initiative.
Consumers visiting Reconsidered will receive a value estimate for potential trade-in earnings. Once the item has been accepted, consumers will receive their voucher via email. Shoes not accepted will be donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organisation.
Last week, Archive announced a partnership with UK-based Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS), a garment cleaning and circular economy platform provider. Together, they will offer apparel, footwear, outdoor, and luxury brands cleaning, repair, and fulfilment of second-hand items on a branded resale marketplace.
The first brands in the UK to take advantage of this partnership are The North Face and Pangaia, which will be able to own their own resale channels in the UK as a result of the collaboration.
Andrew Rough, CEO of ACS, said: “We consider this to be a game-changer for the UK fashion sector and we look forward to what we’ll be able to achieve together. Together with the team at Archive, we anticipate that we will onboard other fashion brands who wish to enter the pre-loved resale market in the UK which is growing quickly.”
Read more about resale on Green Retail World
[Image credit: Green Retail World]
