The most effective way we as consumers can help care for the planet is to buy less stuff. This is sometimes easier said than done, especially with many brands making poor quality products that don’t last or manufacturing items that are difficult to fix.
Arc’teryx is doing things differently. With its circular platform ReBIRD, it aims to educate and help its customers to buy less, and reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent by 2030. The platform launched last year with a digital hub and has since moved into the physical world with ReBIRD Service Centers. The latest to open is in the brand’s newest retail location in Toronto.
With a growing Arc’teryx community of climbers, runners, hikers and outdoors fanatics in Toronto, the new location is the perfect spot for the Canadian company to service its customers. At the Service Center, customers can get complimentary on-site product assessment, care, education and simple repairs.
If you own one of its world-class waterproof jackets like the Alpha SV, the team can carry out GORE-TEX leak tests, technical washes and DWR fabric renewals. Items that have been pushed to the limit can receive mends with adhesive patches and heat-pressed internal patches. And those with missing or damaged parts like buckles and zips can get replacements. This can all be done on-site. But for trickier mends, items are sent to one of its factories in Canada.
The first ReBIRD Service Center in New York City has already been a success. “Since opening last Fall 2021, our NY Service team has been able to resolve nearly 3/4 of functionally compromised gear, on site, reducing the impact on turnaround time for our guests,” says Dominique Showers, VP ReBIRD, Arc’teryx. “Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD circular initiatives encourage our guests to look after their gear, thereby extending the life of the product and keeping it out of the landfill.”
The ReBIRD platform demonstrates Arc’teryx’s commitment to circularity and innovative approaches to sustainable design. But we know this about the outdoors brand already. In past years, we’ve seen it partner with designer Nicole McLaughlin and Greater Goods to reimagine old products in creative ways. We expect this won’t be the last initiative from it either.
Visit the new store and Service Center yourself at:
Arc’teryx Toronto Eaton Center
220 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON M5B 2H1,
Canada
And take a look at what else the ReBIRD platform is up to on the Arc’teryx website.