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- 24:30 min

Trends

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The Growth of Recommerce: How Brands are Investing in this New Phenomenon

Paula Macaggi takes listeners on an enlightening journey into one of the retail industry’s most significant and timely trends: recommerce. As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of modern business practices, recommerce—focused on repairing, recycling, and reselling—is rapidly gaining traction. This episode features in-depth discussions with industry experts Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Steve Lister, and Andrew Smith, who collectively shed light on the forces propelling this shift and the innovative ways companies are adapting to it.

The episode begins by highlighting the urgency of sustainability in retail, driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory mandates. According to research by Cross-Border Commerce Europe, the recommerce market is projected to grow five times faster than the overall retail market by 2025, reaching a staggering 120 billion euros in Europe alone. This growth is indicative of a broader shift towards circular economy principles, where the lifecycle of products is extended through repair, recycling, and resale. This shift is not just a trend but is becoming an essential strategy for retailers aiming to remain competitive and sustainable.

Experts on the show provide diverse perspectives on how different regions are embracing recommerce. Sharon Yourell Lawlor discusses the impact of new recycling legislation in Ireland and the broader European context, where countries like Germany and the Nordics are leading in sustainability efforts. Steve Lister compares these advancements to other parts of the world, noting that while Europe sets high regulatory standards, countries like China are rapidly catching up with significant investments in renewable energy and circular economy initiatives. Andrew Smith emphasizes the importance of aligning sustainability initiatives with a company’s core purpose, citing examples of successful recommerce practices from brands like Nudie Jeans, Selfridges, and Veja.

The episode concludes with practical advice for businesses looking to embark on their sustainability journey. The experts stress the importance of integrating sustainable practices across all business operations, measuring the operational carbon footprint, and fostering collaboration both internally and with supply chain partners. Recommerce is positioned not just as an environmental imperative but as a crucial component of business innovation and consumer engagement. As Paula Macaggi and her guests illustrate, leading through this sustainability revolution is not just about keeping up with trends but about shaping the future of retail in a way that benefits both the planet and the bottom line.

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Book Author

Few know this better than April Sabral, who began her career as a part-time sales associate at 17 and went on to lead hundreds across global brands like Starbucks, Banana Republic, and David’s Tea.

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