Description: This study investigates the emerging role of repair services as a critical enabler of circular economy transition in the fashion industry. While reverse supply chains traditionally focus on recycling, take-back, and resale, repair remains underexplored despite its high potential for waste reduction, product life extension, and customer engagement. The research will examine how repair activities can be standardized and integrated within fashion supply chains, particularly in luxury outerwear and sportswear, where technical product characteristics and service quality requirements are high. The study will combine a structured literature review with an empirical analysis of existing repair service models, leveraging the collaboration of a Milan-based B2B repair provider to gain practical insights into operational processes, challenges, and scalability.

Objectives:

(1)Review the literature on reverse supply chains, with a specific focus on repair strategies;

(2)Map existing repair models in the fashion industry and identify current levels of standardization;

(3)Analyze case studies of brands and service providers implementing structured repair services;

(4)Identify key categories and requirements for standardizing repair operations in luxury outerwear/sportswear;

(5)Assess implications for supply chain configuration, collaboration schemes, and data/information flows;

(6)Provide managerial insights on how brands can scale repair services as part of their circular business models.

Methodology: Literature review, Case-studies & quantitative/qualitative analysis

Type of work: Dissertation/Thesis

Requirements: Fluent in Italian; Milan-based preferred