Levi's and DJs devise sustainable shop concept

Levi’s has launched the Sustainability Shop in Shop — a unique retail design concept created in partnership with David Jones Australia. Created using environmentally friendly Tasmanian timber supplied by Hydrowood*, the innovative space is leading the way for sustainable fashion in the retail industry and offers consumers a conscious and sustainable way to shop.

After more than a quarter-century, the once-forgotten timber was uncovered in the Pieman River through an underwater forestry operation. Sustainably sourced and recovered, the timber has been crafted by local industrial designer Jaron Dickson into custom structures, furniture, shelving and signage for the new shop.

“The new retail concept is a physical representation of our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability,” Levi Strauss & Co Managing Director ANZ Paul Sweet said.

“We’re placing environmental considerations front and centre of the shopping experience and inviting consumers to shop more consciously.”

Local industrial designer Jaron Dickson added, “Using Hydrowood is an incredible story of sustainability and a true innovation in resourcefulness.

“In order to minimise the environmental impact of the building process, the structures use water-based products for gluing and finishings, with most wood shavings given away in order to minimise any waste. The elements of the space can also either be broken down using the loose tenon structures or simply repurposed as furniture in an office or home, which is great.”

The unique space within David Jones will house Levi’s Made & Crafted, Wellthread and a number of other exciting collections that incorporate sustainability through the design or production process. These include material and technology innovations like Cottonised Hemp, Tencel x Refibra, Water>Less and F.L.X; the company’s commitment to sustainable cotton production processes with the Better Cotton Initiative; and building a sustainable supply chain with the Worker Wellbeing program. The Levi’s garments will also be displayed on 100% recyclable Arch & Hook BLUE hangers — made from Marine Plastics collected from the world’s five most polluted rivers.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Levi’s on this sustainability initiative,” said Bridget Veals, David Jones, General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories.

“David Jones is committed to considering new ways of doing business to support a transition to the low-carbon and circular economy of the future. Working with our brands and investing in programs and activities that optimise our use of energy, increase diversion of waste from landfill and reduce natural resource consumption is part of this commitment and our broader Good Business Journey.”

The Levi’s Sustainable Shop in Shop, located in David Jones, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne, is now open.

*Hydrowood is an environmentally friendly supply of Tasmania’s finest timbers. When the Pieman River was dammed to generate hydro-electricity in the 70s, rare species were flooded, remaining a submerged secret for more than a quarter-century. That is until two Tasmanians embarked on arguably Australia’s most ambitious forestry project. The reward? Buried treasure. Specialty timbers so scarce, the world thought they were forever gone. The buried treasure has been carefully recovered from Lake Pieman under strict environmental guidelines and is now used to craft furniture, boats and bespoke home features.