Tomo: Insight into that "Department store with a mission"

In pictures

Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.

Tomo did this last weekend "Department store with a mission" opened at Westfield Mall in the Netherlands. A first impression of the department store, which aims to motivate consumers to participate in the circular economy, can be found here.

Tomo aims to inspire consumers in every way to get involved in the circular economy, founder Marjan Haselhoff recently told FashionUnited. “We are first and foremost a department store with a mission where stylish fashion, beauty and lifestyle are inseparable from sustainability", she said. The range now consists of 90 brands, all of which "strict requirements" have to fulfill. Tomo also offers circular services such as repairs, clothing rentals and beauty product replenishment. For example, customers are still entitled to a free repair five years after purchasing an item. In collaboration with The Next Closet, Tomo also offers quality second-hand clothing.

Customers can also collect points by acting in a sustainable and circular manner. Among other things, she can earn points by returning items to the special ‘Drop & Loop’ machines for recycling. However, customers also receive points if they return the shopping bag after they have brought the purchase home. “Return, fix, don’t throw away. We see waste as a valuable raw material from which we can make beautiful things again"according to Haselhoff.

The interior of the store is also made up of 95 percent sustainable and recyclable materials. The lights are made from 3D-printed, recycled materials and tiles based on eggshells are used. At the back of the shop on the ground floor is a wall listing all of the materials used in the shop. Here consumers can read how good these materials are for the environment and the planet.

Here you can see the first pictures of Tomo in Leidschendam.

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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.
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Tomo in Leidschendam. Photo: Tomo.

When it comes to the organization behind Tomo, it won’t stop at this facility. The concept is to be expanded as quickly as possible in order to achieve the greatest possible impact. Tomo is looking for new funding for these steps; Crowdfunding is to be started soon for this purpose. It was also recently announced that EK Retail is one of the department store’s investors. The company has acquired part of the shares, but the amount of the stake is not known.

This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl.

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