With the recent push for more sustainable clothing options, several brands have created programs that allow customers to trade in old items for cash or store credit. In fact, giving your old clothes a second life can be a great (and fun) way to earn extra money or revamp your wardrobe.
Lululemon, a giant in the world of workout equipment, recently expanded its “Like New” program, which allows customers to bring back their old clothes in exchange for gift cards, but they’re not alone.
Below, we’ve put together a list of brands that have awesome apparel recycling programs and information on how each works.
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1.Lululemon
Originally launched only in Texas and California in 2021, Lululemon’s Like New program expanded to all US stores in April 2022. Customers can bring old clothes or items including shirts, shorts, skirts, hoodies, sweaters, leggings, dresses, bags. , and even outerwear – at any Lululemon store to receive a gift card that can be used in-store or online.
The items will then be “refreshed” and resold at a reduced price. Certain brand-made items are not eligible for the trade-in program, including underwear, yoga accessories, swimwear, and a few others. The company’s website also details the amount of store credit customers can get for each item, such as $5 for tank tops and shirts, $10 for hoodies, leggings and bags, and $25 for outerwear.
2. Patagonia
Patagonia’s Worn Wear program is a great option for those looking to resell clothing or other outdoor items. The company is willing to take back clothing, outerwear and bags that are still in good and functional condition. Patagonia will even pay for shipping if you don’t feel like going to a store.
The company will pay store credit for used items, all of which will eventually be sold at a discounted rate. The Worn Wear section of the Patagonia website is also a great place to pick up a bargain on gently used items.
3.Madewell
Madewell has gone a step further with its Madewell Forever program, encouraging customers to return clothing from other brands in addition to their own. Customers who want to resell can register on the company’s website, print a free shipping label, and send a package containing women’s clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories to the company.
Through a partnership with thredUP, qualifying apparel will be resold and customers will be able to earn store credit. Plus, for every eligible pair of jeans returned, Madewell will discount $20 off the store’s new jeans.
4. Eileen Fisher
Promising a commitment to sustainability, Eileen Fisher launched a RENEW program where the company not only pledged to take back worn or damaged products, but also to use the material from those products to create new items – nothing happens. loses.
Customers can return their worn items to Eileen Fisher stores and they will receive a $5 rewards card for each item. Those who don’t live near a store can check the company’s website to find out where to send used clothes.
5. REI
Outdoor and apparel retailer REI has also developed its own resale platform. Members of the company’s “co-op” can send any purchased item to the store for an appraisal and be paid in gift cards for their old gear. Customers can return their gear through REI’s “Good & Used” program, or can drop off products at their nearest REI store.
The company also sells used equipment on its website and points out that buying used “typically avoids carbon emissions by 50% or more”.
6. The north face
The North Face tries to do its part to protect the environment through its Clothes the Loop program. Customers can drop off used clothing and shoes – of any brand – at participating The North Face retail or outlet stores. The store accepts “gently used clothing” and will offer customers a $10 gift card for their next purchase of $100 or more.
The company will then send the clothes to a nonprofit partner, Soles4Souls, to redistribute. The North Face notes that they hope the program will do its part to help reduce the 10 million tons of textile waste that ends up in US landfills each year. Since its inception, customers have contributed over 95,000 pounds of clothing and footwear to the Clothes the Loop program.
7. Fabletics
Fabletics, a sportswear company, is another retailer that has jumped on the sustainable apparel bandwagon in 2021. Through a partnership with ThredUp, customers can send used apparel to Fabletics and receive store credit for any resalable item. Even when items can’t be resold (due to damage or some other issue), the brand is committed to recycling waste.
Customers can request a kit from Fabletics online or in store, and return the items to the retailer. Customers who use ThredUp to resell clothing can opt for cash payment – making it a good option for those looking for a fun activity – but can also choose to receive payment in Fabletics store credit, which will be 15% more than the cash payment.
8.Adidas
Sportswear giant Adidas also has its own returns program and will also accept gear from other brands. In order to participate in the company’s program, customers must download the Adidas app.
From there, they’ll select the “Return” tab, get a free shipping label, and be able to pack items of any brand, in any condition in a box, and ship them back to Adidas for free. The company has set a limit that boxes or bags must weigh 30 pounds or less and be less than 60 inches.
The company will then sort the products and, depending on the number of items eligible for resale, offer customers membership points, which can be used for purchases, or up to $40 in Adidas vouchers.
At the end of the line
Ultimately, the ever-changing fashion and consumer industries around the world have resulted in massive amounts of waste. According to estimates from The North Face’s Clothes the Loop program, the 10 million tons of textile waste that goes to US landfills every year equates to about 70 pounds of textile waste per person – and 95% of those items could have been reused in one way or another. recycled.
The brands above are just a few that offer cash back or store credit for used clothing. Those hoping to make a little extra cash on second-hand items might want to look to apps like Poshmark or Depop, which allow users to resell clothes, shoes, bags and other homegrown items. used (or new), and offer their own listing prices. . For many people, using these apps has become one of the best side hustles.
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This article Lululemon and 7 other brands that will pay for your used clothes originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.