Swedish childrenswear brand Polarn O. Pyret (PO.P) will complete its truly circular fashion model in the UK this month when its second hand service launches across its entire clothing collection.
A recent survey by the brand revealed that 94% of respondents would be interested in trading in used childrenswear with the original retailer of a product. However, only 3.7% have done so far – something PO.P wants to change with its new service.
The survey with over 700 responses also digs deeper into the buying and selling habits surrounding pre-loved items. It unveiled that almost ⅓ of respondents already regularly shop second hand childrenswear through marketplaces such as eBay and Facebook. However, less than ⅕ regularly sell their outgrown childrenswear. The work involved, such as taking photos (45%) and arranging postage (54%), was identified as being the primary barrier.
Despite 91% revealing an interest in buying pre-loved childrenswear, quality concerns (50%) and not being able to return items (43%) were key deterrents when buying peer-to-peer. This is alongside unreliable sellers, which deter more than 30% of people.
PO.P Second Hand offers a viable solution, addressing all these issues and more
From mid-September, PO.P customers are encouraged to return all outgrown PO.P clothing. This is done via a free returns service. Before the items are passed along to new owners, every garment will be thoroughly cleaned using an Ozone chamber to remove bacteria and odours. Items will be quality checked too. The service is already available across outerwear, with 95% of the second hand items selling out within just five days.
Sharing her thoughts on this development for POP is ecommerce expert and the entrepreneur behind the UK’s first internet café, Eva Pascoe. “Customers have been telling us for a long time that they want circular fashion and help with extending the life of a garment, particularly in kidswear. It is exciting that brands like Polarn O. Pyret can now help the environment by making second hand re-sale super easy. The brand is redefining the future of retail by making “second hand” purchases as joyful as buying a new product.”
Also commenting is leading retail adviser, Richard Hyman. “With a 45-year heritage in sustainability, Polarn O. Pyret was always destined to be a leader in this space. Its second hand service is ground-breaking in its approach in that people can buy pre-loved items alongside new. PO.P Second Hand is truly embracing re-commerce, which is set to revolutionise the fashion industry generally.”
For further information and to visit the retailer’s website, please click here.
