Circulo

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

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 27th September 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶Ellen MacArthur Foundation Calls for Global EPR Policies A new report advocates for mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility policies to tackle textile waste. It proposes a unified approach to EPR design, emphasising funding initiatives, attracting investments, and promoting industry transparency. ▶Coach Partners with Poshmark for Instant Resale Using Eon IDs Coach launches instant resale for its Coachtopia line on Poshmark using Eon's digital ID technology. Customers can now list products with a single click, complete with pre-filled details. This initiative aims to extend product lifecycles and promote circular economy practices. ▶Competition and Markets Authority Warns 17 Fashion Brands Over Green Claims The CMA advises 17 prominent fashion brands to review their environmental claims practices. This action addresses concerns about misleading 'eco' product labelling and broad sustainability terms. The CMA warns of potential fines up to 10% of global turnover under new consumer protection laws. ▶Amazon Selects 11 Start-ups for Sustainability Pilot Programs Amazon's Sustainability Accelerator chooses 11 start-ups to test eco-friendly innovations across its European operations. The program offers investments up to €2 million and long-term partnership opportunities, having supported over 40 start-ups since 2022. ▶ Financial Times Guide to London's Bespoke Tailors The Financial Times' How To Spend It presents an A to Z guide of 23 London tailors, from Savile Row classics to modern independents. The directory covers each tailor's unique style, notable clients, and pricing. ▶Mulberry England Achieve B Corp Status Mulberry earns a B Impact score of 87.1, surpassing the B Corp Certification threshold of 80 and the median score of 50.9 for ordinary businesses. ▶67% of Financial Leaders See Sustainability Benefits Outweighing Costs Capgemini's survey of 248 financial executives reveals a gap between ESG intentions and actions. While 67% believe sustainability benefits outweigh costs, many struggle with data collection and reporting. ▶ Alterknit Expands Nationwide in the US with Knitwear Repair Services New York-based Alterknit launches nationwide sweater and knit repair services, focusing on garments made from animal fibres. The company also offers cleaning, de-pilling, and customisation. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

How do you navigating the complexities of pricing fashion repair services? Our new white paper explores the challenges of pricing repair services in the fashion industry. As sustainability gains importance, with 67% of consumers considering it in purchases, repair services are becoming crucial. The paper examines the unique pricing challenges, including variable costs, perceived value, and sustainability goals. It offers strategies like cost analysis, value communication, and dynamic pricing to help brands balance profitability with environmental commitments. By mastering repair service pricing, fashion brands can lead in sustainability while strengthening customer relationships. 🔗 Link in the comments to read 👀 Comment what you'd like our next white paper to focus on

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 20th August 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation Circulo Weekly Roundup | 20th August 2024 ▶Apple Advances Circular Economy with New iPhone Repair Feature Apple's iOS 18 update introduces "Repair Assistant," allowing easier self-repairs with authenticated parts, aligning with right-to-repair legislation and potentially reducing e-waste. ▶EV Adoption at Risk Due to Repair Skills Crisis, Warns Thatcham Research Thatcham Researchc alls for increased Apprenticeship Levy funding to address EV technician shortage, warning of potential impacts on UK's net-zero targets and EV adoption. ▶Deloitte Survey Reveals Sustainability Investments Surge 85% of companies increased sustainability investments by over 5% last year, with executives viewing these efforts as drivers of innovation and competitive advantage. ▶Arc'teryx Equipment Partners With United Repair Centre For EU Repair Services Arc'teryx expands its ReBird circularity program, collaborating with United Repair Company to support repair services in Europe. ▶Steve Madden Teams Up with Trashie for Clothing Recycling New recycling program allows customers to purchase "take back bags" for $20, receiving a $25 discount on future purchases. Trashie aims to keep 95% of items out of landfills. ▶Oxfam and Vinted Champion Circular Fashion at LFW 'Style for Change' runway at London Fashion Week SS25 showcases secondhand fashion, featuring celebrities and emphasizing garment lifecycle extension. ▶H&M Launches 'Pre-Loved' Secondhand Fashion in France H&M expands secondhand initiative to France, offering curated items online and in Paris locations, promoting circular fashion and affordability. ▶Zara to Launch Pre-Owned Platform in U.S. Market Zara expands its Pre-Owned platform to the U.S. by October 2024, allowing customers to sell, donate, or repair secondhand clothing, aligning with circular fashion trends. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

Strategic Repair: Aligning Aftercare Services with Business Goals This week's white paper explores how businesses can integrate repair services into their core strategies to boost customer loyalty, support circular economy initiatives, and drive customer acquisition. It outlines key metrics for measuring success, including Net Promoter Score and product lifespan extension. The paper offers actionable strategies such as developing seamless repair experiences, designing for repairability, and leveraging repair data to inform product improvements. With 83% of consumers valuing reusable or recyclable products, the white paper argues that strategic repair services can meet consumer demands whilst contributing to profitability and sustainability goals. 🔗 in the comments Head to our website to read in full and access other white papers in our resources hub 🚀🌎♻️

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 13th August 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶ Polarn O. Pyret Embraces Circular Fashion with Dual Initiatives Swedish childrenswear brand Polarn O. Pyret (PO.P) is advancing sustainability with two new ventures. A 'Used & Loved' pop-up store has opened in Stockholm, operating until October's end, promoting second-hand clothing. Simultaneously, PO.P has introduced 'PO.P Reclaimed', a collection crafted from leftover fabrics to reduce waste. ▶Primark Launches Swap-Shop Initiative and Joins British Fashion Council Primark is introducing its first 'Swap-Shop' programme in partnership with Verte during London Fashion Week. Customers can exchange up to five items for digital tokens, redeemable for pre-loved clothing. The initiative debuts on 13 September in London, followed by Manchester and Birmingham. Concurrently, Primark has become a patron of the British Fashion Council as it marks 50 years on the British high street ▶Bain & Company: CEOs Lag as Consumers and Buyers Lead Bain & Company's latest report reveals a growing sustainability gap. While CEOs deprioritise environmental concerns, 60% of consumers report increased climate worries. 36% of B2B customers would switch to more sustainable suppliers, rising to 57% in three years. However, many firms struggle with emissions targets—a third trail on Scope 1 and 2 goals, half on Scope 3. The findings highlight sustainability's rising importance in purchasing decisions, despite executive priorities shifting elsewhere. ▶AllSaints Introduces Clothing Rental Service with ACS (Advanced Clothing Solutions) Fashion brand All Saints has launched 'All Saints Rental', a new subscription service powered by Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS). For £79 per month, customers can borrow two styles at a time with unlimited wear. The programme also offers the option to purchase items at a discounted rate. This initiative reflects AllSaints' move towards more sustainable fashion consumption, providing customers with flexible access to their collections while potentially reducing overall clothing waste. ▶iNews: Eight Household Items You Can Fix Yourself With over 100,000 tonnes of electrical goods and 700,000 tonnes of textiles discarded annually in the UK, experts highlight simple repairs for common household items. The article suggests fixes for small electric heaters, irons, vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, trainers, jeans, remote controls, and iPads. It emphasises the environmental and economic benefits of repairing rather than replacing, while also noting items like microwaves and old appliances that are best left to professionals. 🔗 All links are in the comments  ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

Circular Design: Reshaping Fashion and Accessories for a Sustainable Future Our White Paper explores the fashion, jewellery, and watch businesses that are adopting circular design principles. This innovative approach focuses on creating durable, easily repairable products from responsibly sourced materials. Brands across the spectrum, from Patagonia to ROLEX, are pioneering practices such as modular design and digital product passports. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance customer satisfaction and open new revenue streams. While challenges like higher initial costs exist, the shift towards circular design is becoming essential as regulations tighten and consumers prioritise sustainability. This is set to transform how we produce, purchase, and preserve our clothing and accessories. 🔗 in the comments Head to our website to read in full and access other white papers in our resources hub 🚀🌎♻️

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 6thth September 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶California Poised to Enact Groundbreaking Textile Recycling Law California's SB 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, has passed both houses. It establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility program for textile waste, aiming to increase recycling rates and address environmental impacts. Repair is mentioned as part of the waste management hierarchy. Implementation begins no earlier than July 1, 2028. ▶ The Guardian Reports The British Industry Lags Behind in Climate Action, New Report Reveals Only 3.4% of British Fashion Council members have published Paris Agreement-aligned emission targets, significantly behind other UK sectors. 44% of UK companies across all sectors have structured plans to reduce their carbon footprint. ▶Major Brands Dive into Second-Hand Market, But Challenges Loom The second-hand market is projected to reach £275 billion by 2028, growing three times faster than new apparel. However, it faces logistical and profitability challenges. Vinted reported £15 million profit on £497 million in sales, highlighting profitability concerns. ▶The Washington Post Explores: Giving Old Outdoor Gear a New Lease on Life The Post investigates the growing trend of repairing and trading in outdoor apparel, offering alternatives to disposable fashion. They visit Arc'teryx Equipment's NYC store, showcasing how technicians transform damaged gear into renewed items. ▶eBay's Endless Runway: Pre-Loved Fashion Takes Center Stage at NYFW and LFW eBay will showcase immediately shoppable pre-loved designer pieces at fashion weeks, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable fashion. Second-hand luxury sales reached $50 billion globally in 2023. eBay recorded over 1,000 "vintage" searches per minute in June 2024. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper

🌍 ⚖ 💰 Balancing Profitability and Sustainability in Fashion Repair Services Our latest white paper explores the growing importance of repair services in the fashion industry, where 67% of consumers now consider sustainability a key factor in their purchasing decisions. The paper outlines strategies for fashion brands to develop profitable repair services while prioritising environmental sustainability. It emphasises the integration of both financial and sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide operations and decision-making. Key areas covered include operational excellence, strategic pricing, customer engagement, and partnerships. The white paper provides actionable insights for brands looking to launch or optimise repair services, positioning them as leaders in the circular fashion economy while meeting evolving consumer expectations and contributing to a healthier planet and bottom line. 🔗 Read the full white paper link in the comments 👀 Comment what you'd like to read in our next white paper

Circulo Weekly Roundup | 30th August 2024 A round-up of news in repair, sustainability & legalisation ▶ London's Community Repair Revolution Gets £1.27 Million Boost A £1.27 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund fund four new 'Fixing Factories' across London, spearheaded by climate charity WE ARE POSSIBLE and The Restart Project. These community repair hubs will offer free appliance repairs and teach repair skills, addressing the UK's significant e-waste challenge. Building on the success of two pilot locations that have already diverted three tonnes of e-waste from landfills, this initiative responds to the growing public interest in repairing items. Recent research from London Recycles supports this trend, revealing that 73% of Londoners are open to repairing rather than replacing their items, provided the process is straightforward. These hubs aim to combat electronic waste while addressing environmental concerns and the cost of living crisis. ▶ Bella Webb writes in Vogue Business about the impact frictionless shopping is having on overconsumption Is 'frictionless shopping' fueling an overconsumption crisis in fashion? As social media platforms partner with retailers to streamline purchasing, sustainability experts warn of unintended consequences. Other ways to combat impulse buying would be integrated repair services, resale platforms or mandatory cooling-off periods. But can these measures compete with the allure of instant gratification? Discover how the industry is attempting to balance convenience with conscience. 🔗 All links are in the comments ✉ Sign up for our weekly newsletter straight to your inbox which includes our weekly white paper