Bytes for Bites: A look at our trade-in event in New York

This Back to School season, we’re talking Trade-in.

In a two-day activation held at Leon’s Bagels in Nolita and Williamsburg, Back Market invited students, parents, and celebs to trade in their old tech for cold, hard cash. The idea was simple: help people clear out their drawers, put a little extra in their wallets, and educate them about e-waste – all before the school bell rings.

“We know that tech products and supplies are expensive,” says Back Market’s US Marketing Manager, Bridie McPhie, “So we wanted to give people in New York a chance to get some of that cash back from their old tech to spend on Back to School supplies. In the US, we're one of the very few companies that gives you cash back for your tech. So it was a great opportunity for people to come in and recycle their old tech, to save it from landfill, or get some money back for whatever they might need.”

From 8am on July 26 to 4pm on July 27, there were queues around the block. Leon’s Bagels  – known for their neighborhood-first approach – aligned with Back Market’s circularity mission and offered customers a limited edition” Second Chance Smear” made from surplus sundried tomatoes, garlic, and herbed cream cheese to prevent food waste.

Targeting curious locals with flyers about the campaign, over 40 devices were traded in over two days, and more than 130 devices were recycled through the LES Ecology Center. Signing up on the spot in less than ten minutes, customers were informed about the seamless trade-in process as well as the environmental impact that throwing away your tech has on the planet.

One journalist who had seen the event advertised on social media showed up with a broken Dell laptop, determined not to let it end up in a landfill. While one couple raided their house and brought multiple devices including: four iPhones, a MacBook, and a Playstation, walking away with some serious trade-in cash. 

For those who are fans of Orange is the New Black and Marvel, actor Alysia Reiner – who when she’s not performing is putting her energy into environmental activism – made a guest appearance to show her support and trade-in her old smartphone device.

Some folks were more interested in the recycling part than the cash part, looking to help protect the planet and free up some space in their house. Regardless, no one left empty-handed because there were plenty of free bagels to go around. 

As for what’s next? Back Market hopes to bring the event back with Leon’s Bagel’s this fall, so watch this space. Because nothing pairs better with refurbished tech than a good bagel.