Eskilstuna in Sweden is the world’s first-ever secondhand shopping center.
People of Eskilstuna are recycling more and wasting fewer raw materials and saving the energy needed to extract them and create stuff out of them.
The mall first opened in August 2015 and is located next to the Retuna Återvinningscentral recycling center at Folkestaleden 7 in Eskilstuna. It is more than just a marketplace. It also aims to be a public educator.
ReTuna organizes events, workshops, lectures, theme days, and more – all with a focus on sustainability and environment. ReTuna Återbruksgalleria and Retuna Återvinningscentral are run by the municipality-owned company Eskilstuna Energi och Miljö (EEM).
In 2018, ReTuna Återbruksgalleria had SEK 11.7 million in sales for recycled products.
According to ReTuna website, ”Old items are given new life through repair and up-cycling. Everything sold is recycled or reused or has been organically or sustainably produced.”
”Eskilstuna Municipality strives to be a green role model. In its environment-related development work, the idea came about to open a mall that had “regular” shops, but with a reused and up-cycled range of products. The concept would attract a broad target group, and spread knowledge about sustainability and circular economy.”
”Local government politicians decided to turn the idea into reality, and construction of the project began in August 2014. ReTuna Återbruksgalleria opened its doors to the public on August 28, 2015.”
”In addition to offering sustainable shopping and serving as a public educator in relation to environmental issues, ReTuna Återbruksgalleria has generated over 50 new jobs.
The mall has become international news – documentary filmmakers, journalists and curious tourists from around the world have visited ReTuna Återbruksgalleria. The concept is now spreading.”
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