Lindex launches second hand clothing scheme trial

Swedish retailer Lindex has announced it is to pilot a new circular business model, taking an important step in prolonging the lifetime of clothes together with its customers as part of the fashion company’s circular transformation and sustainability promise.

In the pilot, Lindex has launched a take-back program for its baby and kids outerwear where customers can send in pieces and receive a reward. The collected pieces will then be sold in a few selected Lindex stores in Sweden.

Lindex’s aim has been to create a simple, playful and accessible concept and the pilot has been developed as part of the Switching Gear Project with Circle Economy.

Lindex also explores a new circular approach connected to its existing in-store textile collection. In collaboration with a local partner in Norway, selected womenswear pieces that has been handed in by customers will be sold in the newest Lindex store in Oslo Byporten.

In addition to offering the customers new types of services, the pilot gives Lindex valuable insights on how to scale the business model internationally and how to improve in designing the assortment for longevity.

Anna-Karin Dahlberg, Head of Sustainability at Lindex, said: "The climate will not wait and one of the most important things we need to do for our future is to save natural resources by prolonging the lifetime of products. Today, a lot of clothes spend the majority of its lifetime hanging in a closet without being used. At Lindex, we want to encourage and make it easier for our customers to be part of the change.

"With our second hand, we can give our customers both the possibility to hand in clothes that are not being used anymore and the opportunity to buy preloved pieces. It is a circular business model that prolongs the lifetime of our clothes and sharpens our total offer to meet our customers’ needs, today and tomorrow. A win-win for our customer and for the climate."