IKEA pilots U.S. buyback program in move toward sustainability

Aug. 30 (UPI) -- As part of a plan to become a circular and "climate-positive" business by 2030, IKEA on Monday announced that it's piloting its first buyback and resell program in the United States.

IKEA said the program will begin Monday at a Philadelphia-area location and run through Sept. 19.

The company said the program, which allows loyalty customers to sell back furniture in exchange for store credit, will then expand to other U.S. locations.

"We are passionate about making sustainable living easy and affordable for the many, and want to be part of a future that's better for both people and the planet," IKEA U.S. Sustainability Manager Jennifer Keesson said in a statement.

"We hope the [program] inspires our customers to live a more sustainable life at home while giving their used furniture another life and a second home."

IKEA will resell the items from its buyback program.

The Netherlands-based furniture chain has buyback programs in more than two dozen countries already and is designing all products to be 100% circular by using only renewable or recycled materials.

Other U.S. retailers like Macy's and Gap are also testing similar ideas amid growing demand for sustainable products, particularly from younger buyers.

IKEA said it hopes the U.S. buyback program will ultimately become permanent.