Coach reimagines old bags with its (Re)Loved collection
The brand gives its vintage and used bags a second life
Credit:
Coach
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Whether you own several designer bags or just a few, the introduction of Coach’s (Re)Loved Exchange Program and Collection is giving all shoppers a chance to shop the brand's high-quality leather bags in a different, innovative, and more sustainable way than ever before. But what is this new program all about?
What is Coach (Re)Loved?
Coach (Re)Loved is the brand’s latest initiative that allows customers to recycle or “reimagine” previously used bags and shop “pre-loved” bags. Regardless of what customers choose, this campaign aims to make the company more sustainable by preventing discarded Coach bags from going in the trash. According to Coach, more than 85 percent of unwanted clothes and bags end up in landfills.
Coach is taking a proactive stance through a circular economy, also known as closed-loop fashion, which strives to keep clothes in circulation for as long as possible, helping minimize waste. With closed-loop fashion, a product can be reconstructed numerous times until it can no longer be transformed into a tangible, reusable piece, whether for its intended use or not. This method is one of the ways brands are taking initiative to make fashion more sustainable.
How it works
Coach's (Re)Loved program sees the company shift toward a circular economy.
To get involved with Coach’s (Re)Loved Exchange program, you have to be a Coach Insider. If you're not one, don't worry—it’s free to sign up.
Once registered, you can take your old Coach bag—so long as it was purchased at an official retailer—to one of the brand’s 30 pilot stores. Some of these locations include New York's Soho, Los Angeles' Santa Monica Place, and Orlando's Disney Springs.
At the store, you’ll be greeted by a representative who will evaluate your bag and determine if it's eligible for trade-in. Coach will only accept bags that are 100% leather, from Coach Retail, and are “in very good or gently worn leather condition, with minimal scratches and wrinkles.” It will also accept bags requiring up to two repairs within their standard repair guidelines. If the bag has a detachable strap, you’ll need to bring that with you. To make the process easier, you can even set up a Zoom call with a store associate before going in to make sure your bag is eligible for trade-in.
Next, the sales associate will determine how much store credit you’ll receive for your bag. Credit ranges between $10 to $200, depending on the quality and condition. You’ll be able to spend your credit in any U.S. Coach store (valid for one year, in-store only).
If your bag isn’t eligible for trade-in, it may still be eligible for repairs, leather care, and customization. You can also shop gently used and transformed bags and creations and browse through over 200+ Remade and Upcrafted designs that vary in price, color, and size.
What makes a Coach Remade bag?
Coach Remade bags are made from older, deconstructed bags from the brand.
Coach Remade bags are “rescued and remade from deconstructed, pre-owned bags.” The remade bags are less of a bag and more transformative and conceptually: Colorblock 3D Woolly Puzzles, Linked Hangtag Straps, Colorblock Valet Trays, and large Colorblock Pouches. Coach Remade items range from $50 to $395.
What is a Coach Upcrafted bag?
Upcrafted Coach bags are reimagined pieces by the brand.
On the other hand, Coach’s Upcrafted bags are one-of-a-kind gently used bags reimagined by the brand's skilled craftspeople. While these bags typically cost more than remade bags, each bag is unique and transformed from the inside out. You can shop through shoulder bags, wallets, saddlebags, and more for a piece that suits your style. Coach’s Upcrafted bags range in price from $325 to $1450.
What Is Coach Vintage?
Coach Vintage bags are old products that have been restored and refurbished for resale.
For those who prefer bags from other eras, the Coach (Re)Loved includes those classic bags fans know and love, but now restored. Shoppers can browse buckle purses, swinger bags, and more as part of the Vintage collection. Prices range from $195 to $995.
What Is Coach Restored?
Restored bags from Coach are older products that have been revitalized to their original condition.
Restored bags are as close to the original version of the bag that you’re going to get as part of Coach’s (Re)Loved collection. Those which were once gently used bags are "restored" back to their original condition and ready to wear once again. Browse through satchel, shoulder bags, and more available in different colors, sizes, and styles. Prices vary between $125 to $825.