Arc’teryx has long been known for high performance, durable, technical apparel and gear built for the mountains, but in recent years it’s become a leader in retail circularity through its ReBIRD program. We sat down with Stuart Haselden to discuss how the company is embedding circularity into its business, what’s next for ReBIRD, and why he believes the retail industry can, and must, do more.
Stuart: For us, circularity means keeping our products in use for as long as possible and designing systems that solve for their end of life – whether that’s repair, washing, or resale. Our ReBIRD platform brings those elements together under one roof. It’s not a marketing initiative; it’s a core business strategy that reduces waste, keeps materials in play, and helps us deliver more value to our guests over the lifespan of each product in which they’ve made an investment. The outdoor industry depends on a healthy planet, so embedding circularity into our business is both a responsibility and a business advantage.
Stuart: ReBIRD started as a way to centralize our repair and resale work, and it’s grown into a global platform. Last year alone, we repaired over 28,000 products in our stores and repair centers, keeping them in use and out of landfill. Our resale program has given a second life to thousands more pieces, making Arc’teryx apparel more accessible while reducing demand for virgin materials. We’ve also expanded circular design principles into our product creation process, considering repairability and recyclability from day one. The results have shown us that circularity is scalable if you make it simple, accessible and valuable for the guest.
Stuart: One of the biggest challenges is that most retail systems are designed for linear consumption: make, sell, dispose. Circularity requires rethinking logistics, inventory management, and even store operations. We had to invest in repair infrastructure, build resale capabilities, and train our teams to have conversations about care and longevity to help educate our guests. Another challenge is perception. We’re changing mindsets about buying used product, celebrating the stories that come with a product that’s lived through adventures. Overcoming these barriers takes investment and persistence, but the payoff is significant for the planet, our business, and the guest. The longer you keep your Arc’teryx gear in use, the longer it stays out of landfill – and the lower your impact on the planet.
Stuart: We’re moving toward full integration of circular services into every Arc’teryx touchpoint. That means offering repairs in more retail locations, expanding our resale footprint, and embedding circular design principles into every product we create. We’re also exploring new materials regeneration technologies. Our vision is that every product we create lasts beyond a single user – looked after, kept in play, and eventually passed on to the next custodian, globally. That’s how we’ll make a real impact at scale.
Stuart: Start with what you can control today whether it’s a simple repair service, a take-back program, or resale. Don’t wait for the perfect system to be in place; build and adapt as you go. Measure your impact and share it transparently. That builds credibility with your guests and your team. Collaboration is the real key for scalability, and that’s a huge reason why we are partnering with Climate Week NYC. No one company will solve this alone. Hope is the key to generating change. If we can inspire other retailers to adopt and scale circular practices, we raise the bar for the entire industry, and that’s the real win.