IKEA debuts its buy-back and resale program in the U.S.

IKEA just debuted its furniture buy-back and resale program that is initially offered in the United States. It was reported that the Swedish furniture company has big plans of expanding this program and make it a permanent service in its store locations across the country.

According to CNBC, IKEA’s pilot program for the resale and buy-back of used furniture will be available in the Philadelphia countryside of Conshohocken from Aug. 30 to Sept. 19. After this, it will eventually be introduced to more locations.

This service is already being offered in IKEA stores in the United Kingdom and other countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, and Russia. This was launched to realize the company’s goal of making its business more sustainable. It also wants to be environmentally friendly by 2030, and the program is the first step.

Under the program, fully-assembled furniture will be assessed by IKEA staff and will be graded according to the condition, age, and functionality. After the assessment, it will then be determined if it can be accepted for refurbishing and eventually be resold.

It should be noted that there are some types of furniture or items that may not be accepted in the program, such as dressers. Some of the listed eligible items for the buy-back and resell scheme are display storage, drawer cabinets, bookcases, shelves, small tables, small furniture with drawers, sideboards, dining tables, multimedia furniture, desks, cabinets, stools, and chairs that have no upholstery.

Meanwhile, members of the store’s loyalty program are eligible to sell their IKEA furniture provided that they are not worn out and just gently used. The repaired and repacked furniture will be resold in the stores’ “as-is” section at special discounted prices. As for those who brought in their used furniture, they will be receiving in-store credits.

"At IKEA, 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," Fox Business quoted Jennifer Keeson, IKEA US’ country sustainability manager, as saying. "We hope the ‘Buy Back & Resell’ service inspires our customers to live a more sustainable life at home while giving their used furniture another life and a second home."