Walmart Debuts ‘Sequel’ to Refurbished Merchandise Program

Walmart has unveiled an updated version of its refurbished product program, aimed at both consumers and sellers.

Announced Monday (July 31), Walmart Restored Premium follows last year’s rollout of Walmart Restored, which sells used products the company claims are like new.

“Like any strong sequel, Restored Premium expands on what made Walmart Restored great, helping customers discover a broader assortment of high-quality refurbished items at Every Day Low Prices,” Michael Mosser, Walmart vice president and category lead for marketplace, said in a news release.

Items in the Restored Premium category are like new, show no indication of cosmetic damage, and come with a one-year warranty and 30-day (or more) free returns. Items will be refurbished by the manufacturer or a third-party designated by the manufacturer. And in cases where an item has batteries, those batteries will be “90% or more of the new equivalent,” Mosser wrote.

For sellers, he added, the program gives them a chance to widen their assortments and bring high-quality refurbished items to customers, and even expand into other product lines.

“Keeping products in circulation for as long as possible is more sustainable, in line with our efforts to enable a more circular economy in collaboration with customers, suppliers and sellers,” wrote Mosser. “When we take action to reduce unnecessary waste and increase recycling, we’re working to protect the environment for future generations.”

The new version of Walmart Restore comes amid a debate about sustainability initiatives in the retail sector, as noted here last month.

Such programs encompass a broad array of initiatives, from cutting back on waste to employing renewable materials to advocating for ethical sourcing and fair trade.

“While these practices are undoubtedly crucial for the long-term well-being of the planet, they can also come with significant upfront costs,” PYMNTS wrote. “Implementing sustainable measures often requires investments in research and development, supply chain restructuring, and changes in manufacturing processes.”

Critics contend that these financial investments can place a strain on a company’s resources, especially for smaller retailers with limited budgets.

They argue that the emphasis on sustainability siphons funds from other essential areas, such as product development, marketing and expansion, and that the associated with sustainable practices can sometimes outweigh the immediate benefits.

“However, it is important to recognize the long-term benefits of sustainability. Consumers today, especially millennials and Gen Z, are conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing decisions,” that report said.

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