New eBay UK Imperfects offering aims to reduce fashion waste

eBay UK has launched Imperfects, pitched as the fashion equivalent to supermarkets' wonky veg initiative.

The product range offers clothes, shoes and accessories which are considered new, but with defects, from over 100 high street and high-end designers including North Face, Off White, Puma, Fila, and Timberland at up to 60% off. 

Imperfect items may include defects such as a small scuff or mark, a button missing or a loose thread that may have been from the factory or are ex-display which means they can’t be sold at full price as they did not meet the manufacturer’s quality standards. 

The initiative launches this week to mark Earth Day (22nd April).

Jemma Tadd, Head of Fashion at eBay UK, says: “With growing financial pressures and the climate crisis continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds, we’re proud to launch Imperfects as another avenue to help keep fashion items out of landfill.”

“It’s often the fashion items that may have not made the ‘cut’ and failed quality assurance checks.”a

“As a result customers would not have had the opportunity to purchase the items. eBay is providing a platform for these items to be given a second chance, and be sold, despite their imperfections.”

Simon Payne at Sole Responsibility, an eBay UK seller, comments: “Imperfect clothing, while perhaps not being able to be sold at retail price by brands, still deserves a space in someone’s wardrobe.”

“eBay’s new online destination will continue to save thousands of high quality fashion items from going to waste too soon and help the conscious minded consumer get their hands on in-demand brands.”