Discovering a Sustainable Future from Japan

Sustainable ways of discarding used clothes in Japan!

Our closets often get filled with clothes we no longer wear but do not throw away. In such cases, why not consider selling them instead of throwing them away? Some clothes may not fetch a price, but others may be valuated with a surprisingly high price tag! Furthermore, we’d be providing them to people who need them.

Introducing eight purchasers and recycle shops that buy clothes even if they are brandless or middle-range fashion brands.

TreFacStyle

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Operated by Treasure Factory, the reuse shop specializing in clothes handles a wide range of brands, including no-brand and luxury brands, mainly in the Kanto and Kansai region. The store will accept clothes from just one item. While they only take in brandless clothes at their physical stores, TreFacStyle has a customer support system for delivery purchases of branded clothing through phone and email.

[Official Site] TreFacStyle
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (limited to selected brand clothes)

BOOKOFF

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BOOKOFF is widely known for its dealing in used books, but did you know they had a division for used clothes as well? They accept middle-range fashion clothes at a relatively high price. The number of stores across the country makes it easy and convenient for users to bring in their clothes.

BOOKOFF accepts clothes from one item, regardless of its brand. They use a unique valuation system to price each item carefully. The valuation can be received on the spot. Even if it doesn’t fetch a price, the clothes can be left behind free of charge.

Moreover, if you don’t have time, try using their “cashless purchase” system. Users can just drop off their clothes and leave the store without waiting for an assessment. They will later be notified of the price on the LINE app, which they can pay on electronic devices.

[Official site] BOOKOFF
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (limited to selected brand clothes)

OFF HOUSE

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OFF HOUSE, which has more than 900 stores in Japan and overseas, is a major purchaser/distributor that handles a wide range of items including clothes, interior, furniture, and outdoor products.

In addition to bringing clothes to the store or having people come to your home to collect your clothes, OFF HOUSE offers a unique service called “Offer Purchase.” Simply take a picture of your clothes, register the necessary information, and list it on an app. Stores nationwide will then provide you with a valuation. If you’re happy with it and agree to the price, they will come to pick up your clothes, so you don’t have to worry about shipping and shipping costs.

[Official Site] OFF HOUSE
Collection: Over-the-counter, door-to-door
Special features: Purchase on an app

2nd STREET

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2nd STREET is a major buyer in Japan, with more than 700 stores nationwide. The recycle shop handles an array of items including clothes, furniture, home appliances, outdoor equipment, and musical instruments.

It handles about 70 million items a year and has a good reputation for assessment. No reservation is required. Bring your clothes to the counter, and they will be assessed on the same day.

[Official site] 2nd STREET
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (limited to brand clothes)

Eco Ring

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Eco Ring has 166 stores nationwide. Appraisers working at Eco Ring have long experience in the reuse industry, so you can expect a valuation with a good, reasonable price.

Also, Eco Ring actively purchases brandless clothes or clothes that other purchasers have declined. They have a “Meister Concierge” service, using unique maintenance technology to reproduce clothes.

[Official site] Eco Ring
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (limited to brand clothes), door-to-door
Special Features: LINE assessment

King Family

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The King Family is a recycled clothing and fashion accessories brand with stores nationwide. Having been in the recycling business since 1994, their characteristic lies in their unique system to determine the price by weight. Clothes in good condition are accepted at 150 yen/kg. Clothes that cannot be sold at stores and are used for recycle material at 1 yen/kg. Of course, King Family accepts clothes below 1 kg, but this service is particularly convenient for those who want to sell large amounts of clothes.

[Official Site] King Family
Collection: Over-the-counter only
Special Features: Prices are determined by weight

Tifana

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Tifana has over 20 years of experience, with stores mainly in the suburbs of Tokyo. Their annual users exceeded 40,000 in 2020, because their strengths lie in their speedy responses. For example, their door-to-door service offers staff that arrive at customer’s homes in merely 60 minutes.

[Official Site] Tifana
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (limited to selected brands), door-to-door

Furugi Kaitori Okoku

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Furugi Kaitori Okoku currently has 52 stores throughout Japan. Specialized staff with abundant knowledge and experience are present. Each item is assessed with great care, making a high-price valuation possible.

[Official website] Furugi Kaitori Okoku
Collection: Over-the-counter, delivery (selected brands only)

Originally published on Life Hugger.
Translated by Ayako Karino.

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Life Hugger

Life Hugger is a web magazine introducing fun and sustainable lifestyles. It provides suggestions to achieving sustainability in living, child-raising, health, house chores, leisure and more.

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Written by Life Hugger