Repassa

About Repassa

Repassa operates as Brazil's largest online platform for secondhand apparel, positioning itself within the rapidly expanding circular economy. The company was established in 2015 by Tadeu Almeida, who transitioned from a career in advertising to create a business with a tangible social and environmental purpose. Initially launched as a peer-to-peer marketplace, the business model evolved in 2016 to a managed service in response to customer feedback, streamlining the selling process.

The company's core business revolves around simplifying the resale of used clothing for its customers. Sellers receive a "Sacola do Bem" (Bag of Good), which they fill with items they no longer use. Repassa then manages the entire process, including collection, quality control, curation, professional photography, product listing, sales, and shipping. This managed model provides a high level of convenience for sellers. Revenue is generated through a commission on the sale of these items. A distinctive feature of the platform is the option for sellers to donate a portion or all of their proceeds to partner NGOs, a component that has been part of the business since its inception.

Targeting primarily female consumers from Brazil's B and C+ social classes, Repassa offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories. The platform's strategic focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and the circular fashion movement proved to be a key asset. This alignment culminated in its acquisition by Lojas Renner S.A. in July 2021 for an undisclosed amount, a move designed to bolster the retail giant's own sustainability and digital ecosystem strategy. The acquisition followed a successful partnership where Repassa's "Sacolas do Bem" were made available in select Renner stores, a pilot that validated customer interest and paved the way for the full acquisition. The deal aims to leverage Renner's extensive customer base and physical store network to scale Repassa's operations across Latin America.