Welcome to the Swap Shop: Bringing a Sustainable Thrift Shop to Our Adidas HQ
For Gyovanna and her fellow 3-Stripes colleagues, it was important to leave behind a sustainable legacy that was greater than their internship- and that’s how the Swap Shop was born.
Have you ever wanted to leave behind a legacy greater than yourself? For us—a group of adidas interns in 2019—it was the Swap Shop: a sustainable thrift store concept born out of our shared passion for making a difference.
Turning an idea into action
From the moment I started my internship, I knew I wanted to contribute to something meaningful. Within weeks, I connected with other interns who were just as enthusiastic about sustainability. Together, we brainstormed ways to inspire our colleagues to live more sustainably, and the idea of an on-campus thrift store quickly took center stage.
We decided to call it the Swap Shop, where employees could exchange gently used adidas items for points, which could then be redeemed for other pre-loved items. It was our way of reducing waste while giving adidas gear a second life.
Our diverse group of interns—spanning teams like Corporate Communications, Sustainability, and Digital—brought unique skills to the table. And with help from adidas’ Health & Safety, Environment & Energy (HSEE) department, who support our company’s sustainability initiatives, we secured a physical space on campus and laid the groundwork. Although we couldn’t launch the shop before our internships ended, we handed the project over to the next generation of interns, confident they’d bring our vision to life.
Overcoming challenges and building momentum
When the pandemic hit in 2020, our plans were put on hold. But the following year, I was thrilled to return to adidas as a full-time employee and find the Swap Shop project still alive. My fellow intern-turned-colleague, Maira Schiller Becerra, rejoined too, bringing her analytical skills to enhance the shop’s digital system.
"When I came back to adidas in May 2021, I was thrilled to learn that our Swap Shop idea was still alive and had an entire group of volunteers behind it! There was no doubt that I wanted to rejoin the Swap Community and keep working on the idea"
Together, we streamlined operations, upgraded the shop’s space, and brought in new volunteers, including Aimee Hirst, a talented sample maker that could make clothes from scratch and had a flair for upcycling. Her creative energy helped us organize tie-dye workshops and revamp our marketing efforts.
One secret ingredient that made our Swap Shop dream within reach had to do with our adidas MakerLab. The MakerLab is a creative hub on campus designed to empower creatives and collaborators to come together and make truly unique creations. As the space also provides many of the tools and materials that would make a designer’s heart sing, it also gave the Swap Shop the perfect environment to champion sustainable and experimental projects. And the lab proved to be an essential partner for initiatives like the Swap Shop, where it helped design signage, promote workshops, and establish collection points for donated items.
"The MakerLab was key in supporting the Swap Shop—not only with workshops but also by providing tools, promoting events, and connecting us with like-minded employees. Without the Maker Lab, we would not have come as far as we have."
With Aimee’s help, we evolved into the "thrifty trio" leading the project: Maira focusing on data, Aimee on creative initiatives, and me overseeing communications.
Launching the Swap Shop
In August 2022, we held a soft opening, inviting a select group of colleagues to swap items and provide feedback. The response was overwhelmingly positive. By October, we officially launched the Swap Shop to all employees, attracting over 400 swappers within the first month.
Our marketing strategy—email blasts, Viva Engage posts, and word-of-mouth—proved highly effective. Employees loved the concept of giving their adidas items a new purpose, and the shop became a bustling hub of activity.
Celebrating two years of success
As of 2024, the Swap Shop has grown into a thriving community with over 1,200 members. We’ve hosted events like flea markets, upcycling workshops, and even a pop-up shop during Sustainability Learning Day. Each event reinforces our mission to make sustainability accessible and fun.
One of our proudest achievements was the recent flea market held outside the Laces building, home to many of adidas’ fashionistas and designers. The event not only brought in 200 new signups but also showcased the creative possibilities of secondhand fashion.
The power of volunteers
The Swap Shop wouldn’t exist without our incredible network of volunteers. They staff the shop, organize events, and keep the momentum going—all while juggling their day jobs. Their dedication inspires us every day.
"Working shifts in the shop is where we see our impact firsthand. It’s also where we connect with swappers and gather feedback to ensure the shop keeps evolving."
From designing signage with the MakerLab to promoting workshops and running the store, our volunteers prove that sustainability is a team effort.
Looking ahead
Our journey is far from over. We hope the successes from our Swap Shop will inspire colleagues around the world to kick-off their own sustainable initiatives. Meanwhile, our focus will still be on our local Herzo Swap Shop, where we’ll continue to plan, coordinate, and run workshops, such as upcycling sessions and fashion showcases.
If you’re ever at our Herzogenaurach campus, we’d love to welcome you to the Swap Shop. Whether you’re swapping, volunteering, or simply exploring, there’s always a seat at our table.
