If you were at Slide & OTS Winter 2025 last week, then you might have noticed the hive of technicolour activity taking place at stand B26. We were thrilled to have Maria, Hannah and Zoe from the United Repair Centre join us at Slide to show us exactly what goes into their expert gear repairs. The URC team repaired a total of 71 items over two and a half days from their pop-up workshop. From zipper replacements to elastic fixes, to entirely new baffles, our most loved winter gear was given a second lease of life for the season ahead.
The fact that so many of us brought our gear for repair shows us just how much demand there is for gear repairs (even amongst the folks with the easiest access to the newest gear on the market). So, aside from providing an incredible service, the URC team were also at the show to spread the word about the business of fixing and how SIGB members could incorporate repair into their own businesses.
First and foremost, the URC is a social enterprise on a mission to change the clothing industry by putting people first. They’re not only reducing textile waste, but are providing employment opportunities to segments of the population who have been distanced from the labour market. They now employ over 40 people and have premises in both Amsterdam and London where over 50,000 repairs get underway each year.
There are several ways that brands and retailers can get involved. Retailers can offer in-store drop-off repair programmes and brands can provide repair services online via their own branded repair portal. There’s also a complete package of options for engaging customers, including personalised touch points during repairs, storytelling for brand experience, seamless integration for communication, customer connection opportunities, and feedback mechanisms to measure satisfaction and loyalty.
So, why bother making repair a part of your business? Well, repair services have been found to boost customer loyalty and reinforce a brand’s reputation.
In fact, a 2021 survey showed that 75% of millennials prefer buying from more sustainable brands.
This major shift in attitudes is creating a new opportunity for businesses to improve their bottom line. Effective repair services can boost customer retention and create new revenue through repairs and resales, while also reducing costs linked to returns and waste.
What’s more, emerging regulations in Europe will force brands to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products. Incorporating repair will not only lower emissions and minimise the use of new materials to help brands hit sustainability targets but will also keep your business in line with future legislation.
Interested in the business of fixing? Contact the team at the United Repair Centre to start your journey.
EMAIL: letsrepair@unitedrepaircentre.com
WEB: www.unitedrepaircentre.com