Used Clothing Acquisition for Reuse : A case study on take-back schemes of used children’s clothing

Abstract: Background - In the attempt to affect environmental impacts and increase circularity in the fashion industry, several new business models are emerging. Take-back scheme is one strategy that is implemented as a part of the second-hand business model by fashion retailers, where reuse is the central goal. This advantageous approach is the most preferable method in the disposal hierarchy. Children's clothing provides a suitable product group for reuse and resale as it is often rapidly outgrown rather than worn out. Nevertheless, supply availability and quality challenges remain for a take-back scheme to operate successfully. Purpose - Take-back schemes rely on consumers to return used garments to supply the new sales of second-hand clothing. This study explores the acquisition and supply availability of used children's clothing for fashion retailer take-back schemes for second-hand. Acknowledging that the consumer becomes a supplier in reuse supply chains, this study aims to explore factors that affect the supply acquisition of used children's clothing. Methodology - This research employed a single case study design with an inductive mixed- method approach. A pre-study collected data from three sources and these findings were used as a base for developing a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to consumers who can potentially adopt the role of used children’s clothing suppliers in a take-back scheme. A total of 964 responses served as empirical data, analysed through descriptive statistics and coding. Findings - Six factors affecting the acquisition and supply availability of used children's clothing in take-back schemes were identified. These are customer relationships, convenience, compensation, assessment description, product condition and size range differences. The factors were recognized to affect the interest and ability of potential suppliers to engage in take- back schemes and the available supply that can be acquired for reuse in a take-back scheme. Research implications - This study delivers new insights into the scant and unexplored acquisition area in take-back schemes of used children's clothing. A conceptual model comprising the six identified factors is presented, which can guide and aid practitioners in implementing or evaluating take-back schemes of used children's clothing. The study is limited to the Swedish fashion industry and take-back schemes explicitly focused on the collection of used clothing to resell.