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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 10, 2026San Diego

Clothing retailers launch repair and sewing programs to attract Gen Z shoppers

Major apparel brands are introducing in-store repair services and sewing workshops to appeal to younger consumers interested in sustainability and cost-saving. These initiatives aim to extend the lifespan of garments, though industry experts remain divided on whether these programs significantly reduce overall textile waste compared to current production volumes.

fashionsustainabilityretailconsumer behaviortextile wasteenvironmental policy
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Why It Matters

Retailers are shifting business models to include repair services as a way to build brand loyalty with Gen Z, while simultaneously lobbying governments for tax incentives to make these labor-intensive services more profitable.

Key Facts

  • Fashion companies are lobbying North American and EU governments for tax incentives to make repair and resale services commercially viable.
  • Levi Strauss & Co. is expanding its 'Wear Longer' program, which teaches students basic sewing skills like button attachment and hemming.
  • Primark has hosted over 730 repair workshops across nine countries.
  • Zara launched a digital resale and repair platform in 2022, currently available in 17 countries.
  • Uniqlo offers repair and restyling services in 75 of its approximately 2,500 global stores.
  • H&M Group is currently testing in-store repairs in Paris and selling preowned items in 13 cities.
  • Global clothing production doubled between 2000 and 2015, while the average number of times a garment is worn declined by 36%.
  • The UN Environment Program estimates that a garbage truck's worth of fabric waste is dumped or incinerated every second.
  • Less than 1% of discarded clothing material is recycled into new apparel.

Who's Mentioned

personChloe Halprin“A consumer who utilizes secondhand shopping and repair skills.”other80“Number of countries where H&M operates.”organizationUniqlo“Provides repair, embroidery, and restyling services in 75 stores.”other730“Number of repair workshops held by Primark.”organizationH&M Group“Advocating for tax incentives for repair services.”organizationLevi Strauss & Co.“Offers repair and customization services and a handstitching course for students”other4,000“Number of H&M stores globally.”other13“Number of cities where H&M sells preowned pieces.”organizationPrimark“Hosts free repair workshops and tested in-store repairs in the U.K.”organizationZara“Launched a digital platform for resale and repairs in 2022.”