United Repair Centre launches Paris hub with €3.2 million investment to boost circular economy
The United Repair Centre (URC), a leading European specialist in textile repair, has announced the inauguration of its newest facility in Paris. This strategic expansion follows a significant €3.2 million impact investment, collaboratively funded by French and Dutch investors, alongside the City of Paris. This substantial financing is earmarked not only for the Paris centre but also to support the launch of two additional European centres over the next two years, and to develop a dedicated technical team focused on enhancing URC’s proprietary service platforms used by its clientele. The Paris location marks URC’s third European hub, joining its established operations in Amsterdam and London. Notably, the Paris centre will predominantly adopt a B2B operational model, extending its comprehensive repair services directly to partner brands.
URC currently boasts an impressive portfolio of over 30 textile and outdoor brand partners, including renowned names such as Patagonia, Lululemon, Levi’s, Arc’teryx, The North Face, and Decathlon. In 2024, the Amsterdam and London centres collectively repaired more than 29,000 items, a volume anticipated to surge significantly with the operational launch of new facilities. The establishment of the Paris centre is therefore a crucial component of URC’s broader strategy to expand its capacity, directly addressing the escalating demand from brands for expert outsourced repair solutions.
Scheduled to open its doors in mid-February 2026, the new centre will be strategically located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, situated within a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to fostering the circular economy. This intentional placement aims to enhance the accessibility of repair services for businesses within the region. Under the leadership of CEO Thami Schweichler and COO Paul Kerssens, URC is actively pursuing an ambitious Europe-wide expansion strategy. The company's overarching goal is to cultivate a robust network of repair hubs across the continent, capable of efficiently meeting the evolving demands of brands committed to circularity, thereby cementing URC's position as a pivotal industrial partner for textile repair throughout Europe.
Thami Schweichler highlighted that URC's entry into the Parisian market is timely, coinciding with a period of heightened expectations and a strong appetite for sustainable business models. He specifically noted France’s proactive stance, observing that the country is among the European nations that have successfully implemented incentive policies designed to mitigate the production and sale of short-lived garments, creating a highly conducive environment for URC’s mission.
Patagonia’s significant investment in the United Repair Centre is perfectly consistent with the long-term, purpose-driven approach that the brand has championed since its inception. Patagonia has consistently placed environmental and social responsibility at the very core of its business model, firmly believing that profitability should serve broader objectives beyond immediate financial gain. As detailed in CEO Ryan Gellert’s progress report, the company has meticulously structured its model to actively protect the planet and support sustainable initiatives, leveraging its economic tools to maximize its positive impact. This profound philosophy is exemplified by concrete decisions such as the transfer of ownership in 2022 to safeguard the company’s core values, and the systematic distribution of funds specifically earmarked for environmental protection efforts. By extending its support to URC, Patagonia strategically reinforces this deeply embedded approach within the critical textile repair sector. The opening of the Paris centre transcends mere symbolism; it represents a vital link in a growing chain of European locations specifically designed to meet the increasing demand from brands for scalable, B2B repair solutions.
