Circular Fashion Goes Mainstream

What M&S x eBay Means for Warehouse, Retailers, and the Future of Sustainable Logistics

The announcement that Marks & Spencer (M&S) is partnering with eBay to resell pre-loved clothing is more than a sustainability headline - it's a strategic move that signals a seismic shift in how retail, logistics, and warehouse operations will function in the years ahead. For Helm WMS customers and anyone involved in supply chain management, this is a blueprint for the future.

The Circular Economy at Scale

Resale is no longer niche. With the UK's second-hand fashion market now worth £7bn and growing nearly 20% annually, M&S is leveraging eBay's reach and Reskinned's expertise to make circular fashion accessible to millions. The partnership enables customers to trade-in pre-loved M&S items via a simple online or in-store process, with eligible returns cleaned, repaired, and listed for resale. Unwearable items are responsibly recycled, and 15% of the profits go to Oxfam - embedding social impact into the business model.

Why Warehouses Need to Pay Attention

This new model transforms the role of warehouses and logistics providers. Instead of simply processing outbound shipments, warehouses will increasingly handle:

• Inbound returns for resale: Managing the flow of returned goods and excess stock, including sorting, grading, and prepping for repair or recycling.

• Repair and refurbishment workflows: Tracking item condition, repair status, and provenance, with systems ready to integrate with partners like Reskinned.

• Multi-channel inventory management: Real-time visibility across first-hand, second-hand, and recycled stock, with automated workflows for returns and repairs.

• Sustainability and ESG reporting: Meeting new requirements for transparency, social impact, and carbon reduction, as circularity becomes central to retail strategy.

Operational Challenges and Opportunities

For many businesses, this means rethinking everything from warehouse layout to data management. Circular supply chains require flexible systems that can adapt to new channels, support collaboration between brands and partners, and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.

• Returns as Revenue: Instead of viewing returns as a loss, warehouses can unlock new value streams by enabling resale and repair.

• Collaboration Over Competition: Major players working together (like M&S, eBay, and Reskinned) will drive industry-wide change and set new standards for responsible commerce.

• Consumer Expectations: Shoppers increasingly expect affordable, sustainable options. Circular commerce delivers on both, while building brand loyalty and resilience.

How Helm Powers Circular Logistics

Helm WMS is built for this new era. Our platform:

• Tracks inventory, condition, and repair status for every unit.

• Integrates with eCommerce, resale, and specialist partners/

• Automates workflows for returns, repairs, and recycled stock.

• Provides robust analytics to optimise circular operations and support ESG goals.

The Bottom Line

Sustainability is no longer side initiative - it's becoming embedded in the core of retail strategy, and eCommerce is the enabler. Warehouses and logistics partners who embrace circularity, invest in flexible systems, and see every return as an opportunity will be the ones leading the next chapter of retail.

If you're ready to future-proof your operations, streamline returns, or unlock new revenue from excess stock, Helm WMS is here to help. Circular commerce is not just a buzzword - it's the new standard for resilient, responsible logistics.