Les Réparables, a company dedicated to textile repair, rolls out its solution in Lyon
Les Réparables is an impact-driven company offering textile repair solutions. Founded in the Vendée region, it has just opened a workshop in Lyon, with the support of ONLYLYON Invest and the Lyon Metropolitan Authority.
Today, 76% of clothing produced ends up in landfills or is incinerated. It was in response to this reality that Blandine Barré, a trained seamstress, founded Les Réparables. The company is committed to helping businesses, brands, and consumers adopt the right habits: repair rather than throw away. After opening its first workshop in 2020, Les Réparables is now expanding nationwide. Lyon was chosen for the establishment of its second site, with the support of ONLYLYON Invest, the economic development agency for the Lyon region. Following an experimental phase in 2022 with a pop-up store, the company officially confirmed its presence in Lyon in September 2023.
Les Réparables, a company extending the lifespan of clothing
Les Réparables is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and the environmental footprint of the textile industry. It works with individuals, brands, and businesses alike to raise awareness and place repair at the heart of their activities. In doing so, it encourages organizations to adopt a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. With the launch of its digital platform, Les Réparables has also adapted to changing consumption patterns, enabling customers to estimate repair costs and order services independently.
Beyond its target audiences, Blandine Barré places strong emphasis on integrating CSR criteria within the company itself. In 2021, she set specific objectives to address environmental challenges through the company’s development strategy. These goals aim to measure the impact of its activities and assess the expectations of each of its target groups.
A company that promotes short supply chains by engaging the local ecosystem
After more than a year of experimentation, the company moved into “6E,” a space located at 6 rue d’Enghien in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. Led by Maison Ma Bille, this 100+ m² space hosts two other organizations active in sustainable fashion and repairability: Mode Estime and Les Patines de Francette. This shared environment fosters the exchange of expertise, enables local urban production, and creates non-relocatable jobs through in-house training. Although the repair sector is hiring, there is currently no formal vocational training, making it essential for companies themselves to develop employee skills.
To support its development, Blandine Barré also partnered with Camille Marion Vigne, co-founder of Maison Ma Bille, to create a new entity under the social and solidarity economy (SSE) status. From the outset, the brand has positioned itself as a specialist in textile repair for individuals, brands, and professionals. This structure also enables the company to meet government expectations following the introduction of a repair bonus scheme for consumers.
Les Réparables contributes to a virtuous cycle within the Lyon area. By extending the lifespan of textiles, it not only reduces environmental impact but also creates local jobs and generates positive economic benefits.
ONLYLYON Invest and the Lyon Metropolitan Authority encourage projects committed to the ecological transition
As part of a strategy aimed at promoting eco-responsible initiatives, ONLYLYON Invest and the Lyon Metropolitan Authority played a key role in supporting Les Réparables’ establishment within the Lyon metropolitan area.
The company made a notable appearance alongside these partners at Pollutec 2021, Pollutec 2023, and the Fashion Tech Days Lyon 2023, gaining public recognition for its innovative approach. During the conference “PPE and workwear: repair, upcycling, and recycling to improve end-of-life management,” Les Réparables also shared its expertise, highlighting the importance of repair in the context of evolving consumption habits.
These initiatives not only strengthened the company’s image but also supported the creation of local jobs and generated positive economic impacts. They also helped establish a replicable model for other regions, positioning Lyon as a leading city for innovation in the ecological transition.
Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, a strategic location for Les Réparables
Choosing the Lyon metropolitan area—and more specifically Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement—has proven to be a winning decision for Les Réparables. A major business district and a pleasant place to live, the area has seen strong growth in business services. Its dynamism continues to increase with the establishment of some of the city’s most significant commercial facilities.
This environment supports a rich ecosystem of emerging stakeholders adopting virtuous business models, such as Les Réparables. It provides opportunities to mobilize, collaborate, and build partnerships with innovative companies to promote a more sustainable economy.