// eBay launches its “Imperfects” platform – a new destination to combat fashion waste
// Shoppers will be able to purchase clothes from leading retailers, that can’t be sold at full price grade due to a defect or manufacturing error
As shoppers look to reduce their fashion spend and environmental footprint, eBay UK is launching Imperfects in a bid to cut fashion waste.
The imperfects range includes clothes, shoes and accessories which are new, but with defects, from over 100 high-street and high-end names including North Face, Off White, Puma, Fila, and Timberland, at up to 60% off.
The defects are slight imperfections such as a small scuff or mark, a button missing or a loose thread that may have been from the factory or are ex-display which means they can’t be sold at full price as it did not meet the manufacturers strict quality standards.
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Ebay stated that all imperfections are clearly labelled in the listing with accompanying photos so customers know exactly what they are getting.
Imperfects purchases also come with free shipping and 30 day returns, with a money back guarantee.
Launching this week to mark Earth Day on April 22nd, eBay is encouraging shoppers to invest in their planet. New data from the marketplace revealed that UK shoppers are becoming increasingly conscious.
As they look for ways to save both money and the planet, searches for ‘preloved clothes’ have multiplied 9x in the last year and searches for ‘used dress’ are up by 156%.
eBay UK head of fashion Jemma Tadd said: “With growing financial pressures and the climate crisis continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds, we’re proud to launch Imperfects as another avenue to help keep fashion items out of landfill.
“It’s often the fashion items that may have not made the ‘cut’ and failed quality assurance checks – as a result customers would not have had the opportunity to purchase the items. eBay is providing a platform for these items to be given a second chance, and be sold, despite their imperfections.
“Since 1995, eBay has embraced the power of people coming together to do good, whether that’s through selling their things to give them a second life, or now opting for Imperfects – this is another way shoppers can easily do their bit.”
Simon Payne at Sole Responsibility, an eBay UK seller added: “Imperfect clothing, while perhaps not being able to be sold at retail price by brands, still deserves a space in someone’s wardrobe. eBay’s new online destination will continue to save thousands of high-quality fashion items from going to waste too soon and help the conscious minded consumer get their hands on in-demand brands.”
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