The journey of Shanghai sustainable goods store 3R Labs began on June 2, 2023, and after 418 days in business, it officially announced its closure on July 24, 2024. In the store’s name, “3R” represents the principles of the circular economy: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. “Labs” stands for exploration and experimentation. Sustainability was a key feature of the store’s identity, evident in its use of materials and flexible arrangement of space. Recycled old wooden boards were used for the store’s sign, the bar counter was made from recycled plastic, and outdoor tables were crafted from recycled aluminum cans. 3R Lab’s interior had no fixed walls or display points, allowing for flexible changes to meet operational and usage needs sustainably.

Located in the heart of Xuhui District, Shanghai, the store attracted a large number of visitors. Many were drawn by its stylish design, and would sit in the courtyard on chairs made from reused yellow beer crates. Others would take a cup of coffee grounds home to use as a deodorizer or fertilizer. In addition to its sustainable design, 3R Labs hosted frequent fruit markets, 40 workshops, 9 bottle recycling events, 4 environmental-themed exhibitions, 4 brand pop-ups, and 4 pet adoption events, rescuing 7 stray cats in the process. They collaborated with 37 sustainable partners to promote these initiatives.

As China’s first offline space focused on connecting sustainability and urban lifestyles, the closure of 3R Labs raises questions on how to balance commercial success with a dedication to sustainability. While 3R Labs’ events were generally well attended, converting community into sales proved more difficult. Despite detailed shops displays introducing more than 70 domestic and international eco-friendly brands, customers often viewed 3R Labs more as an exhibition space than a retail store. The relatively high prices of sustainable products also added to the difficulty of attracting long-term customers. Furthermore, many Chinese consumers are already accustomed to buying speciality goods online.

Despite the closure of its brick and mortar store, 3R LABS will continue to spread sustainable knowledge online. It’s possible that after some time, we may see its offline space reappear in another city.

Banner Image via 3R Labs.