Fashion’s biggest waste problem just met its match with a bold new solution. In an industry plagued by returns and deadstock, New York-based (Re)vive is transforming what was once considered a financial burden into a profitable revenue stream. The B-Corp certified company has established itself as a pioneering solution provider addressing the challenges of unstockable and returned inventory for fashion brands. Through its innovative approach, (Re)vive is not only helping brands recover lost revenue but also making significant strides toward sustainability in the fashion industry.
A Data-Driven Approach to Inventory Recovery
At the core of (Re)vive’s success is its proprietary data platform that empowers brands to recover the highest asset value from unstockable inventory while streamlining the supply chain. The company works by collecting returned and excess inventory, typically seen as dead weight for brands, and repurposing it through various resale channels. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative processes, (Re)vive ensures that returns and deadstock can be reintroduced into the market, reducing waste and allowing brands to recapture lost revenue.
“Brands are grappling with mounting operational costs associated with processing, storing, and disposing returns, which can amount to as much as $15 per item,” Allison Lee, founder and CEO of (Re)vive, said. “However, with a growing demand for sustainable fashion from consumers, we see a huge opportunity for future-minded brands to leverage their once-disposed, damaged product into a coveted item.”
Impressive Growth and Impact
The company’s approach has delivered remarkable results. In 2024 alone, (Re)vive recovered over 406,802 units, representing nearly $50 million in recovered GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) from deadstock and returns. This means over 406,000 items were saved from landfill, demonstrating the significant environmental impact of their business model.
The fashion industry has long struggled with the problem of returns and damaged inventory. Despite many returned items being unworn or only slightly damaged, a significant portion ends up in landfills. An estimated 9.5 billion pounds of returns ended up in landfills in 2022, according to data from returns tech platform Optoro. (Re)vive’s solution directly addresses this issue by taking in products that retailers have deemed too damaged to sell and fixing them up, whether that means washing them, reattaching a button, or lint-rolling off some dog hair.
Technology at the Forefront
The underlying technology powering (Re)vive’s operations is particularly impressive. The company’s software allows its employees to sort, label, and determine the outcome of a box of returned items in about three minutes. The software also shows retailers how much of a certain SKU was returned and how much money they can potentially make from saving and selling the returned items.
(Re)vive manages the entire process, from digitization and inspection to assigning garment services that optimize asset value while minimizing costs for brands. Their platform simplifies the process, relieving operational burdens for brands and ensuring the highest profitability and scalability. Furthermore, (Re)vive collaborates with brands to merchandise refurbished items across a customized mix of sales platforms that yield the highest prices for the revived inventory.
Industry Recognition and Investment
The company’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. (Re)vive recently secured a $3.5 million seed investment led by Equal Ventures and Hustle Fund, with participation from Coalition Operators, Banter Capital, and Charge Ventures. The funding will be used to “further fuel growth and strengthen the (Re)vive platform to maximize and realize asset value of deadstock inventory for the retail industry,” according to a recent press release.
Heston Berkman, partner at Banter Capital, said, “Casting our support behind (Re)vive isn’t just about backing a business, it’s about backing a game-changer in sustainability and retail. With Allison Lee at the helm, (Re)vive is not just breathing new life into inventory; it’s turning a cost center into a revenue generator. It’s not just innovation, it’s a retail revolution, and we’re thrilled to be along for the ride.”
Looking Ahead
As the fashion industry continues to face pressure to reduce its environmental impact and improve profitability, solutions like (Re)vive are becoming increasingly important. By turning returns and deadstock into revenue, (Re)vive is helping fashion brands navigate the challenges of excess inventory and return rates while contributing to a more sustainable industry. Their innovative solutions not only reduce the environmental impact of fashion but also unlock financial potential that would otherwise go unrealized.
