Lululemon announces recommerce program

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 21, 2021

Canadian retailer Lululemon announced on Tuesday two new sustainability initiatives including the brand’s first-ever recommerce program, 'Lululemon Like New'.

The new recommerce model is made for guests to rethink, revive, and rediscover Lululemon product through a trade-in and resale program. Starting in May, Lululemon guests in California and Texas can begin to trade in gently used Lululemon clothing in one of the brand’s over 80 participating stores or by mail in exchange for a Lululemon e-gift card.

Come June, clients will be able to shop those products online. Lululemon has partnered with Trove, recognized industry experts in branded recommerce, to support with resale technology and operations. All trade-in products will be cleaned using state-of-the-art technology, while gear that does not meet quality standards will be recycled through Lululemon’s longstanding partnership with Debrand.

Next, Lululemon will debut a new, limited-edition collection made with earth-friendly dyes, dubbed 'Earth Dye'. The collection features casual, easy-to-wear styles made with lower-impact dyes upcycled from the waste of oranges, beets, and saw palmetto trees sourced from the agricultural and herbal industries. These dyes use less water, carbon, and synthetic chemicals compared to conventional synthetic dyes. 

The initiatives follow the release of Lululemon’s Impact Agenda launched Fall 2020, which marked the brand’s stake in the ground toward an equitable, sustainable future, and outlined its vision to minimize environmental impact and contribute to a better world.

“Lululemon is actively working to help create a healthier future, and we are focused on meeting the goals detailed in our Impact Agenda, including making 100 percent of our products with sustainable materials and end-of-use solutions by 2030,” said Lululemon CEO, Calvin McDonald. 

“Our Lululemon Like New and Earth Dye initiatives are both meaningful steps towards a circular ecosystem and demonstrate the sustainable innovation underway in product development and retail.”