FASHION RETAIL NEWS UK
John Lewis has launched its first pre-loved range of designer handbags online and also expanded its second-hand jewellery range.
Sourced by Sign of the Times, the new pre-loved designer products will double the amount of existing designer second hand items currently available online at johnlewis.com.
John Lewis said the new offering will have a strong focus on designer pieces from the likes of Chanel, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent and Gucci.
Demand for premium handbags has increased at the retailer in recent years and now represent nearly 65% of all handbag sales at John Lewis.
The move follows a successful Sign of the Times pop-up at Peter Jones where over 300 luxury designer pieces were purchased in the first six months.
Danielle Gagola, innovation lead at John Lewis said, “We’ve seen tremendous success with our pre-loved designer pop-up with Sign of the Times in our Peter Jones shop and are thrilled to continue to build and make shopping more sustainably easier for our customers through johnlewis.com.
“As a brand we are committed to prolonging a product’s life, whether that is buying second hand, renting or more recently offering repairs. Doubling our pre-loved offering online is just one step in the right direction and one we will continue to grow for our customers.”
In addition, customers will be able to take any designer products they wish to sell to a permanent Sign of the Times space in Peter Jones. Alternatively, they can send a message to the Sign of the Times team with imagery of the product and organise a collection so the item can be authenticated and valued.
Antonia Johnstone, the owner and chief executive of Sign of the Times, said: “We were so excited to bring Sign of the Times to Peter Jones in Chelsea on a permanent basis last month (following the huge success of what started as a Christmas pop-up), so we are thrilled with the success of the pop-up, and to continue our partnership with John Lewis this year, both in-store and online.
“Resale is a growing market and great opportunity for retailers to engage new consumers, where there is an increasing demand for more sustainable choices in the fashion sphere.”
Later this month, the John Lewis store in London’s Oxford Street will be launching a new pop-up with childrenswear rental and resale brand The Little Loop where customers can purchase second hand clothing in store.
