Ratcheting up its sustainability commitments, Selfridges is unfurling a two-month campaign involving repair, rental and resale services — and setting steep commitments for all its vendors regarding eco-friendly materials.
“Sustainability is our business plan, with five-year commitments,” said Anne Pitcher, group managing director, unveiling the British retailer’s Project Earth initiative during a webcast last week.
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Forecasting “a tough year ahead,” Pitcher stressed the need to “provide new experiences and new conversations” for its customers as they emerge from coronavirus lockdowns with stronger convictions about mindful consumption, and heightened concerns about the environment.
The executive said Selfridges is “putting people and planet at the heart of our thinking,” which will “transform the way we do business and the way we shop over the next five years.”
The retailer plans to make it easier for customers to shop responsibly with a new destination called “The Organic Cotton Shop,” plus labeling detailing the eco credentials of more 12,500 stockkeeping units across 350 brands initially, said Daniella Vega, director of sustainability at Selfridges Group, who perched on a stool several meters away from Pitcher during the online press conference.
Come 2025, Selfridges will only stock products that adhere to its new sourcing requirements on raw materials, which was preceded by a “three-year consultation process with brand partners.”
As part of the kickoff of Project Earth, Prada will unveil its first, full Re-Nylon collection, made with Econyl recycled nylon yarn, at the Corner Shop at Selfridges today, as reported.
Among the broad range of materials that must meet eco and ethical trade requirements by 2025 are cotton, feathers, leather and forest-derived fibres such as viscose, rayon, modal and lyocell. It also extends to foodstuffs including meat and palm oil, plus wood, paper and plastic.
The retailer plans to sell “previously loved” fashions in a department dubbed ReSelfridges slated to open on Sept. 28 for a six-week run, and set up a concierge counter for repairs. Last year, Selfridges repaired about 30,000 items, spanning from ready-to-wear to watches, according to Vega.
It partnered with HURR Collective to launch a new clothing rental service, offering styles from Zimmermann, Cecilie Bahnsen, Emilia Wickstead and others for anywhere from four up to 20 days.