What happens to returned athletic wear?

[jillybean222]

i always wondered that!!!!

[spunkypenguin]

I don't know about clothes, but Road Runner sports sells the returned shoes at expos. I bought a pink pair of Brooks Glycerin 10s that looked brand new for $50 at the Iron Girl 1/2 expo. Not my normal running shoes, but the are good for cross training - especially at that price. The guy said they usually have less than 10mi on them.

Maybe they put it in an industrial washer and do something similar...or donate it. I hope it doesn't just get discarded

[juliahenry]

I would think that the vast majority of people at least wash the sweaty grossness out before making a return. At least I hope so...

I don't think they can resell it as new when it's been washed and worn, so I would guess that either they donate it or they sell it to resellers who get rid if it on eBay as NWOT or EUC.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I'm guessing they donate it and write it off.

Honestly, based on the cost of clothes for those retailers, that risk is built into their prices. For example, they're charging $58 for a shirt with WAY less than a yard of fabric, made in a third-world or otherwise developing country. Their unit cost for that $58 shirt is probably closer to $8. Maybe less. Factor in advertising, leasing, and employee costs, and they're *maybe* out $20 on that single shirt. So ... even if you return it for another one, they're still turning a profit.

[starryfish]

Also, Lululemon does not accept used clothing back unless its been recalled (die problems, sheer, etc). Athleta accepts everything back