This move is part of Marks & Spencer's broader sustainability efforts under its ‘Plan A’ initiative, specifically within the ‘Another Life’ programme focused on eco-conscious practices in fashion, home goods, and beauty sectors.
The new M&S x eBay store facilitates the trade-in of pre-owned M&S clothing, footwear, and accessories.
The operation of this resale service is managed by M&S' resale partner Reskinned, which will leverage eBay's customer base.
The M&S-dedicated storefront on eBay aims to streamline the process for consumers to repurpose their unwanted items and shop for second-hand M&S goods.
To avail the service, customers will fill out a brief form on M&S's website or by scanning QR codes located in various M&S stores. They then dispatch their items via a complimentary local courier service to Reskinned, explained M&S.
In exchange for their contribution, which must include at least one item from M&S, customers receive a £5 discount on subsequent purchases amounting to £35 or more on M&S's online platform.
Items suitable for reuse undergo professional cleaning and repair before being listed on the M&S x eBay store. Those not fit for resale are sustainably repurposed or recycled.
M&S Fashion, Home & Beauty, sourcing and technology director Monique Leewenburgh said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the pre-loved experts at eBay and Reskinned to launch a dedicated resale platform. This not only offers more ways for customers to give items Another Life, but also an opportunity for customers to purchase items they might have missed from previous seasons – which are pre-loved.”
This launch coincides with a surge in demand for second-hand fashion, stated eBay.
Recent statistics indicate that 59% of global consumers have purchased pre-owned goods in the last year, with eBay reporting that refurbished goods comprise 40% of its gross merchandise volume (GMV), according to eBay.
Additionally, searches for "vintage" items on eBay averaged over 1000 per minute as of June 2024.
eBay European Fashion GM Kirsty Keoghan said: “M&S is a beloved British institution, known for its enduring quality and style, and a staple in wardrobes across the UK. Welcoming M&S to the eBay marketplace represents an exciting milestone in our mission to make circular fashion more accessible, appealing, and scalable.”
The study, conducted by Centre for Economics Business Research (CEBR) found that 54% of Britons bought second-hand clothing online that year.
Last month, M&S introduced a one-year quality guarantee on all children's clothing lines, excluding footwear and accessories.
