![Featured image of the article [info mind Retail] Christofle relies on CircularX to accelerate second-hand revenue](https://www.mind.eu.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Christofle-978x652.jpg)
For many brands, mass sourcing of second-hand products is a key challenge to make their second-hand business enter the scale-up phase. This is the case for Christofle, which in early October 2023 launched an open B2C platform for buying back second-hand products. This is a rare initiative in the luxury goods sector, and a first in tableware.
Since May 2022, the brand has been selling a “vintage” collection of restored antique pieces purchased from certified retailers, including antique dealers and second-hand retailers.
It now buys second-hand products directly from individuals, bearing the inventory risk itself. The trade relies on the digital platform Circular X, a subsidiary of Recommerce and partner of Decathlon and Boulanger, in which the Mulliez Group is a 100% shareholder. “Many platforms specialise in fashion,” Christophe Leurquin, Director of Transformation, told mind Retail. “Circular X is a proven platform for the trade-in of non-fashion physical goods, from buy-back to authentication and refurbishment”. As a reminder, Circular X’s model imposes significant fixed costs, plus a percentage of sales.
