Dive Brief:
- Steve Madden has partnered with circular fashion platform Trashie on a recycling and take back program, according to a press release Monday.
- Through the partnership, customers can purchase a Take Back Bag and fill it with old clothes and shoes from any brand. The bag can then be sent to a recycling facility in exchange for a $25 credit on the Steve Madden e-commerce platform. The Trashie Take Back Bag costs $20 and includes a prepaid shipping label.
- Each item received by Trashie’s recycling facility is given a specific “grade” based on category, size, quality and fabrication to determine whether it should be reused, downcycled, or repurposed for fiber-to-fiber recycling, per the release.
Dive Insight:
Gregg Meyer, chief sustainability officer for Steve Madden, said the partnership with Trashie marks a “key step” in Steve Madden’s efforts to manage the end-of-life cycle for its products.
“As we look to 2024 and beyond, a key part of our sustainability journey involves creating a holistic, circular approach to fashion across our supply chain,” Meyer said. “Trashie’s innovative platform aligns perfectly with this vision, allowing us to offer our customers an opportunity to responsibly and easily give new life to their used fashion and footwear. We’re eager to see how this partnership will empower our customers and drive positive change in the years to come.”
Some of Trashie’s other brand partners include ThirdLove, Bombas, Marine Layer and Walmart, per the release. In addition to apparel partnership, Trashie also offers customers rewards at Regal Cinemas, according to its website.
In the release, Trashie said up to 95% of the collected items are kept out of landfills.
In addition to the takeback program, Steve Madden also manages an in-house resale platform, Re-Booted, through a partnership with Recurate. The program allows customers to sell used Steve Madden items for a credit on new ones.
In July, Steve Madden reported a Q2 revenue increase of 17.6%, which the company attributed to “exceptional growth” in its accessories and apparel categories.
The company has recently been on a deal making streak. Last month, it sold its Greats brand to Unified Commerce Group for an undisclosed amount. It bought apparel brand Almost Famous for $52 million in October 2023.
In addition to Almost Famous, Steve Madden owns its namesake brand, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson and Blondo.
