Circulo

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 25th October 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶Margaret Howell Limited Partners with SOJO for Customer Repairs British fashion brand Margaret Howell has teamed up with on-demand repair service Sojo to offer clothing repairs to its customers directly through Sojo. ▶Adventure Bag Maker Stubble & Co Partners with United Repair Centre United Repair Centre has announced a partnership with British bag manufacturer Stubble & Co to provide repair services for their urban-outdoor hybrid bags. ▶ Amazon Names Six UK Start-ups for Sustainability Accelerator Amazon has selected six British start-ups for its Sustainability Accelerator, each receiving €12,000 in grants and €10,000 in AWS credits. The cohort includes Asan (menstrual products), Morrow (sustainable coffee), Make Your Own Milk (oat milk premix), Paint Zero (plant-based paints), ReBorn (waste homeware), and ZIG+STAR (children's shoes). Previous participants have seen 700% average sales growth since 2022. ▶By Rotation Opens London's Largest Fashion Rental Pop-up By Rotation is launching a five-story rental space in Mayfair until December 31st, featuring designer brands and celebrity wardrobes. The 'House of ByRo' space was secured through Westminster Council's Meanwhile On project, beating 800 other applicants to mark the platform's fifth anniversary. ▶The North Face Opens Brooklyn Store with Trade-in Programme The North Face has opened a 5,000-square-foot store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featuring the brand's first dedicated Renewed shop-in-shop where customers can trade in pre-owned items for store credit (£10-£50). Items are inspected, cleaned and repaired before being resold. The company is also expanding its Fifth Avenue flagship to 20,000 square feet by late 2025. ▶85% of Investors Plan to Increase ESG Focus in Private Equity, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Reports Private equity investors are ramping up their sustainability efforts, with 85% of limited partners planning to increase their ESG focus over the next three years, according to BCG's latest report. While only 22% of PE-owned companies currently have decarbonization strategies, those that do are outpacing public companies in emissions reduction. The report also highlights that 77% of PE-backed firms now have women in C-suite positions, compared to 64% of public companies. ▶H&M Foundation Revamps Global Change Award to Focus on Net-Zero Textile Industry H&M Foundation has refocused its Global Change Award to help halve textile industry emissions by 2050. Ten winners will each receive €200,000 through a new nomination-based process, replacing open applications. The programme includes a year-long mentorship with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, with winners announced April 2025. 🔗 All links are in the comments  ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

With 84% of customers now valuing service experience as highly as products themselves, can your business afford to ignore digitising your warranty service? Our latest white paper reveals how modernising warranty systems creates value beyond operational savings. 🔎 Key findings show digitalised warranty processes: ▶ Cut processing costs by up to 75% ▶Combat fraud (currently 10-15% of claims) ▶Drive customer acquisition (23x more likely) ▶Boost retention (6x higher rates) ▶Transform customer insights into business intelligence Leading brands like Apple and BMW Group see the benefits through reduced processing times and improved satisfaction scores. Discover how your company can turn warranty claims from a cost centre into a strategic asset. 🔗 Link in the comments to read 🗣 Comment what you'd like our next white paper to focus on

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 25th October 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶Repair Movement Celebrated Worldwide International Repair Day saw global participation from repair cafés and UNIQLO workshops, teaching practical mending skills. ▶Repair Leaders Share Industry Insights Circulo's Vanessa Jacobs and iFixit's Elizabeth Chamberlain discuss scaling repair on The Untangling Circularity Podcast. ▶SMCP – Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, Fursac Group Expands Repair Services maje and SANDRO partner with Save Your Wardrobe, launching in-store repairs at 14 French locations and digital booking platforms. ▶VAUDE Launches Retail Repair Network Outdoor brand introduces certified repairs at nine Globetrotter Ausrüstung stores, expanding to Switzerland and Netherlands. ▶NYC Maps Repair Infrastructure NYSP2I and hyloh. create comprehensive systems map of NYC's textile repair options and gaps. ▶Primark and WRAP Announce Partnership Three-year initiative targets 1.6 billion unworn items in UK wardrobes through donation schemes. ▶SOEX TEXTIL VERMARKTUNGSGESELLSCHAFT Enters Administration Major textile recycler and its subsidiary I:Collect file for administration. ▶GUESS?, Inc. Launches Recycling Programme 'GUESS Again' partnership with SuperCircle offers store credit for recycled clothing. ▶Leeds University Partners with Inditex New PACE academy launches sustainable manufacturing courses for fashion professionals. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

The Future of Repair is Profitable Our new white paper explores the hidden value in aftercare services 🔎 Key finding: Repair services drive business growth beyond direct revenue ⤵ Benefits of strategic repair services: ℹ Capture valuable customer data and insights 📈 Boost customer loyalty and retention 🌍 Strengthen sustainability credentials ⌛ Prepare for upcoming right-to-repair legislation 💰 Transform cost centres into revenue streams Learn how leading companies like Patagonia and John Lewis Partnership are leveraging repair strategies and discover how your business can unlock new value through aftercare. 🔗 Link in the comments to read 🗣 Comment what you'd like our next white paper to focus on

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 18th October 2024 Repair, Sustainability & Legislation News ▶ Ana Kristiansson launched SUSTAIN20™ a circular fashion directory Industry-created platform offering vetted solutions and a 20-step roadmap for brands embracing circularity. Aims to accelerate the fashion industry's transition to a more responsible future. ▶ Volvo Group expands sustainability focus New three-pillar approach under sustainability head Vanessa Butani includes climate action, circular economy, and responsible business. Key initiatives involve increased EV sales and battery passports. ▶ Right to Repair movement faces challenges EU legislation by 2025 aims to improve repairability. Success hinges on unifying manufacturers and refurbishers to foster a circular economy and responsible consumption. ▶ Renault Group's Refactory leads automotive recycling Paris facility innovatively repairs, restores, and recycles end-of-life vehicles with 85-95% recyclability. Features include part refurbishment and EV battery repurposing, setting new industry standards. ▶ Deloitte: Executives prepare for sustainability requirements 99% of surveyed executives taking action, with 77% creating new roles to meet increasing sustainability demands. Trend suggests sustainability driving innovation and value creation across sectors. ▶ eBay's Circular Fashion Fund returns Offering UK businesses up to £50k and chance at additional $300k for circular fashion innovation. Partnering with British Fashion Council to support businesses changing shopping habits and promoting circularity. 🔗 All links are in the comments  ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

The Digital Revolution in Aftercare: Boosting Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction Our latest white paper explores the shift from paper-based to digital aftercare systems in the repair services sector. Driven by consumer expectations and technological advancements, this transformation includes digital service requests, automated communications, and end-to-end repair tracking. We examine case studies from industry leaders, discuss implementation challenges, and offer strategies for businesses embracing this digital future. The paper highlights how these innovations are reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction while paving the way for AI-driven predictive services. 🔗 Link in the comments to read 👀 Comment what you'd like our next white paper to focus on ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 27th September 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶ ASUS Enhances Repair Quotations for Clearer Customer Communication Tech giant Asus, known for its computers, smartphones, and components, has updated its repair quotation system. The new format, implemented on September 30, 2024, now clearly labels repairs as "covered under warranty", "optional", or "required". This change aims to improve transparency in the RMA process, address recent customer service concerns, and form part of Asus' ongoing efforts to enhance support services. ▶Clothes Doctor Raises £778K for Sustainable Fashion Care Expansion Clothing care start-up Clothes Doctor has secured £778,258 from 220 investors via Crowdcube. The Cornwall-based company, reporting 192% year-on-year revenue growth, offers repair services and eco-friendly laundry products to reduce clothing waste. Stocked by Harrods and Ocado, Clothes Doctor plans to use the funds for marketing, operations, and product development as it plans expansion in the US, Europe, and China. ▶Fjällräven Encourages Product Longevity Through DIY Repair Guides and In-Store Services Fjällräven promotes sustainable consumption by offering both in-store repair services and detailed DIY repair guides for their outdoor gear. The company provides video tutorials on their website, demonstrating how to patch holes in trousers, replace zip pullers, sew on buttons, repair insulated jackets, and fix zippers. This initiative aims to extend the life of their products, reduce waste, and decrease environmental impact by encouraging customers to repair rather than replace their outdoor apparel. ▶Study Reveals Consumers Often Overlook Sustainability in Purchasing Decisions A new study reveals a stark contrast between consumer attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability. While 73% of EU citizens claim environmental impact is important in purchasing decisions, research across Brazil, the UK, and the US shows that consumers often overlook sustainability when shopping. Published on October 7, 2024, the study found that price and brand typically outweigh eco-friendly considerations. Researchers suggest education, pricing strategies, and point-of-sale reminders to align consumer actions with their stated values. ▶New Look's 2024 Sustainability Report: Progress on Climate Goals, Pause on Resale New Look's 2024 sustainability report highlights progress on their "Kind to Our Core" strategy, including a 12% reduction in total carbon emissions and approval of Science-Based Targets. While the company has ended its resale initiatives, it remains committed to circular principles, participating in textile recycling projects and focusing on product durability research. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

The Future of Repair is Local 🌍 New white paper explores cross-border repair challenges 🔎 Key finding: Local repair networks offer significant advantages ▶ Benefits of local repair: Reduced shipping costs and environmental impact Easier regulatory compliance Improved customer satisfaction Better adaptation to local standards Aligns with sustainability trends and circular economy models Positions businesses to meet consumer expectations and environmental responsibilities 🔗 Link in the comments to read 👀 Comment what you'd like our next white paper to focus on ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 4th October 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶ Currys plc Launches Repair Campaign Currys launches campaign promoting tech repairs, aiming to reduce £9bn annual spending on replacing broken devices. Offers repairs from £64, emphasising e-waste reduction. ▶Diesel Wins Circular Economy Award Diesel receives Ellen MacArthur Foundation Foundation Award for circular initiatives. Arc'teryx Equipment and Vestiaire Collective named finalists for innovative circular models. ▶EU Warns 17 States Over CSRD Implementation European Commission initiates procedures against 17 EU states for failing to implement sustainability reporting directive. 26 states also warned over renewable energy targets. ▶UK Industry Urges EPR Fee Implementation White paper calls for immediate EPR fees in UK fashion. Analysed 500,000 garment types, proposing circular-rewarding system. Burberry, Marks and Spencer among key participants. ▶Pandora Shifts to Recycled Metals Pandora announces 100% recycled gold and silver use, saving 58,000 tonnes CO2 annually. $10m investment could save 53m tonnes carbon if industry-wide. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

The Evolution of Customer Care from Warranty to Longevity This white paper explores the shifting landscape of customer care in retail and manufacturing, transitioning from traditional warranty-based models to holistic, longevity-focused approaches. Driven by growing environmental consciousness, demand for durability, and regulatory pressures, businesses are extending their responsibility beyond standard warranty periods. The paper highlights industry examples from the automotive and watch sectors, emphasising the crucial role of digitisation in enhancing customer experience, automating processes, and collecting valuable data. It addresses challenges such as cost implications and technological obsolescence while offering strategies like modular design, subscription-based models, and leveraging IoT for predictive maintenance. The business case for extended care includes enhanced brand loyalty, competitive differentiation, and data-driven insights. This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses to meet sustainability demands and build stronger customer relationships. 🔗 link in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper