Reskinned and River Island launch pre-loved scheme on eBay

High street retailer River Island is launching an eBay shop selling pre-loved styles as part of a scheme with Reskinned to inspire consumers to shop second-hand.

Going live on eBay this week, the new initiative forms part of River Island’s Kind Society, which aims to make sure that "everything River Island, from handbags to HQ, is kinder to the world and people".

Will Kernan, CEO of River Island, said: "Fashion is the heart of River Island, it always will be, but we recognise that the industry needs to undergo significant change. We believe fashion can, and should, be a force for good, and that belief informs our sustainability work."

The takeback scheme, in partnership with Reskinned, launched last year and is now available in over 200 of River Island’s 260 nationwide stores. Reskinned specialises in reselling, reusing and recycling second-hand clothes to prevent clothing ending up in landfills.

Customers are encouraged to drop off three items, from any brand, into stores, or arrange a drop-off online. A £5 gift voucher is given as a thank you, which can then be redeemed off a minimum £40 order in stores or online.

Once River island receives the pre-loved garments, they are hand-checked and Ozone-cleansed by Reskinned using a zero-water, eco-friendly cleaning process. The revamped pieces will then be stocked on River Island’s eBay store.

Jose Arguedas, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at River Island, commented: "This represents a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to reduce fashion waste. We look forward to not only maintaining awareness of recycling clothes with our takeback scheme, but also seeing iconic pieces being brought back to life through a circular fashion economy."