The award-winning Norwegian luggage and accessories brand Db Journey has extended its partnership with Bleckmann, a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions, to launch its brand-new product trade-in and resale programme. Through this initiative, customers can return their used travel gear, including suitcases, backpacks and duffel bags, in exchange for store credit. The returned items are then repaired and reconditioned by the Renewal Workshop, Bleckmann’s team of circular fashion experts, ready to be resold on the Db Journey e-commerce site. This unique circular concept enables Db Journey to strengthen its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
On the road together: Extending a productive collaboration
The launch of this tailored renewal solution marks the next phase in an established partnership with Db Journey, for whom Bleckmann has been managing warehousing and fulfilment since June 2023. Bleckmann currently handles omnichannel logistics for both the brand’s home market of Norway (from the Spedify distribution centre, our Scandinavian 3PL partner, in Askim) and mainland Europe from one of Bleckmann’s sites in Grobbendonk, Belgium. These locations are also the operational hubs for Db Journey’s renewal programme. Each pre-loved item undergoes a thorough inspection upon arrival, before being expertly cleaned and repaired as required. Items are then returned to stock with a unique SKU number linked to details of their model number and condition, providing online shoppers with full transparency.
Meeting the unique demands of travel gear repair and reconditioning required Bleckmann to work in close collaboration with Db Journey to develop a renewal concept that would meet and exceed customer expectations. This involved an extensive testing period, during which the two companies built on each other’s expertise to create a streamlined and cost-effective solution. “It’s a pleasure to be strengthening our partnership with Db Journey in support of such an ambitious circular initiative,” said Hans Robben, Programme Manager for The Renewal Workshop at Bleckmann. “We’re excited by the programme’s potential, and with such talented and flexible teams based in Belgium and Norway, we’re well positioned to help bring the project to life and scale up in line with future growth.”
Implementing an end-to-end renewal and resale solution
DB Journey’s trade-in and resale programme will be made available to all of the brand’s customers in Norway, its largest single market, as well as across mainland Europe. Bleckmann will be responsible for all the back-end operations, from the moment trade-in stock arrives at the warehouse to when it is delivered to a customer’s doorstep. Meanwhile, a strong collaboration with the re-commerce and resale platform Trove will ensure a seamless interface between Bleckmann’s warehouse management system (WMS) and the Db Journey website, providing accurate inventory availability and an integrated online shopping experience.
Integrating circularity into logistics operations
With its existing renewal programmes for brands including COS, Karl Lagerfeld and Coyuchi, and its in-depth knowledge of garment and accessory renewal, Bleckmann was the ideal choice to support Db Journey’s first steps in circularity. However, the project is far from a one-off. Indeed, with renewal specialists working alongside warehouse colleagues under the same roof in Bleckmann’s distribution centres, Db Journey benefits from a fully integrated renewal and re-commerce framework. “From new purchase to trade-in to renewal and resale, Bleckmann is proving that circularity can be smoothly embedded into existing operations – driving both cost savings and environmental benefits,” said Joachim Gund, Chief Transformation Officer at Db Journey. “Bleckmann has enabled us to make renewal not only attractive to customers but also a valuable accelerator in our growth strategy.”
