What: a first store dedicated to second-hand furniture for giant Swedish furniture retailer Ikea

Why it is important: sustainability can no longer be ignored in retail and resale is one of the way to enter the circular economy and eventually become more sustainable. It is important to note that a player like Ikea, which is sort of a fast-fashion retailer for home that has been producing furniture in huge quantities to sell all over the world, is now redefining its business model to reach its sustainability targets by 2030 (including being circular).

The new second hand store is located in Eskilstuna’s ReTuna mall, famous for being the first shopping centre in the world offering only recycled and second-hand products. The used furniture will be repaired or brushed up in an adjacent repair shop, and will then be sold at a reduced price. This is a trial for the retailer that will evaluate results in six months. If those are conclusive, the project could be rolled out to other markets.

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