On Black Friday tomorrow, Patagonia is giving away free used clothing and urging consumers not to buy more stuff. For the third year in a row, the socially and environmentally sustainable brand created a campaign to combat over-consumption. This year, a series of events are taking place in eight retail stores as well as online.
Customers can bring in their lightly used Patagonia clothing and get other free used clothes in return, or exchange them for credit on Yerdle. Thousands of lightly worn returned garments are being offered on Yerdle too.
Part of the larger Worn Wear program, 2014's Black Friday initiative "celebrates the stories we wear and keeps your gear in action longer to take some of the pressure off the planet."
Worn Clothing Swaps
Patagonia is Giving Away Free Used Clothes on Black Friday So People Buy Less
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Swaps - Other brands may consider hosting clothing swap events to promote sustainability while also reducing excess inventory.
2. Circular Economy - More companies may look into ways to create a more circular economy by incorporating used clothing and reducing waste.
3. Socially Conscious Campaigns - Businesses may adopt more socially and environmentally conscious campaigns to attract and retain customers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Fashion retailers could implement their own clothing swap events to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
2. E-commerce - Online marketplaces could incorporate a system for exchanging lightly used clothing with other customers.
3. Outdoor Gear - Other outdoor gear companies could follow Patagonia's lead in promoting sustainability and reducing waste through their own campaigns.