#Japan #Tokyo #Retailor #Free Standard #Yamato Holdings

Yamato Holdings Expands Investment in Free Standard

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry, Yamato Holdings has announced an additional investment in Free Standard, a startup dedicated to advancing circular economy initiatives. This new funding comes through the KURONEKO Innovation Fund, managed by Global Brain Corporation.

Free Standard's Mission

Founded with the mission of creating a new standard for consumption, Free Standard offers a comprehensive re-commerce operating system called "Retailor." This innovative solution supports brands in the apparel and other sectors to manage the collection and resale of their official reused items. Unlike traditional re-commerce platforms, Retailor enables brands to take ownership of their recycled products while maintaining their brand value. This not only delivers a safe and high-quality experience to consumers but also creates new connections between brands and their customers.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Free Standard is set to open its first re-commerce store, "ReLIKE," in Shibuya, Tokyo, by April 2025. This store aims to offer a new sales channel for branded reused items, further establishing the foundations for a circular economy in the retail landscape.

Why Yamato Holdings Sees Potential in Free Standard

Yamato Holdings has expressed its support for Free Standard's vision and operational capabilities since the latter's inception. This latest round of funding reflects the recognition of Free Standard's ability to construct unique operations tailored to the challenges faced by brands in the circular economy. With growing passion for creating a sustainable society, Yamato intends to leverage Free Standard's solutions to promote the utilization of re-commerce among more brands.

By combining the logistics expertise gained from managing the entire supply chain—from collection, inspection, and packaging to information management and sales—paired with Free Standard's insights into circular market creation, Yamato Holdings aims to collaborate on building an optimized logistical model specifically designed for the re-commerce market.

The Path Forward

The re-commerce market, particularly one led by brands, is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The collaboration between Yamato Holdings and Free Standard represents a vital step towards developing sustainable solutions that not only benefit brands but also the environment. This partnership embodies a shared commitment to building a circular economy that nourishes both business and ecological wellbeing.

About Free Standard

Founded on August 7, 2020, Free Standard is based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is headed by CEO Takao Harimoto. The startup's primary objective is to provide solutions that empower brands and manufacturers to implement circular economy practices within their operations. For more information, visit Free Standard's Website.

Through this strategic investment, Yamato Holdings aims to deeply root itself in the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, championing initiatives that resonate with eco-conscious consumers and businesses alike.