Lululemon, a Vancouver-based company specializing in athletic and leisurewear, has entered the resale market trend by launching its own Like New service in Canada. The move follows a growing trend where major brands like Canada Goose and Arc’teryx are embracing the resale market for used clothing.
The company has partnered with Tersus Solutions, a Denver-based company, to operate a 25,000-square-foot processing hub in Calgary. At this facility, returned Lululemon items are meticulously cleaned, graded, and prepared for resale. This initiative not only allows Lululemon to extend the lifespan of its products but also offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell pre-owned Lululemon clothing through the brand’s online platform.
Customers participating in the Like New program can receive either 70% of the sale price in cash or 90% in store credit. To ensure authenticity, sellers are required to provide proof of purchase, although some items may be eligible for trade-in without a receipt.
Tersus Solutions’ CEO, Peter Whitcomb, highlighted the success of the resale market, emphasizing that it has become a lucrative business line for brands like Lululemon. The facility in Calgary is currently handling a substantial volume of items daily, exceeding initial expectations.
Retail analyst David Ian Gray noted the increasing popularity of the second-hand market in Canada and how brands like Lululemon are capitalizing on this trend to attract new customers and offer products at different price points.
Anián, a Victoria-based clothing company, has also embraced resale by launching its own marketplace for customers to sell and buy pre-owned Anián products. The company’s COO, Jeff Papa, emphasized the environmental benefits of their resale program, which has diverted a significant amount of textile waste from landfills.
Overall, the adoption of resale programs by companies like Lululemon and Anián reflects a shift towards sustainable practices in the fashion industry, offering consumers more affordable options while promoting environmental responsibility.
