Circular malls and reuse shops are places, physical or digital, that highlight different circular concepts such as second hand, vintage, remake, repair, rental services, refurbished technology and waste- and resource-smart products. In many cases, these places have proven to be sought after and desired by citizens. They can also serve as a platform for behavioral change, both among citizens and among the actors involved in the work. Dive into some of the 2030 cities to learn more about how municipalities initiated circular malls and how it impacted the city!
The circular pop-up gallery Rundgång invited actors in Mitt i City in Karlstad. The gallery became a reality with the help of several facilitators from business, public organisations and civil society. After the successful test was completed, other actors decided to continue running a circular mall in Mitt i City under cooperative auspices, and Rundgång is now a permanent feature of circularity in central Karlstad!
Between October 28 and December 31, 2023, visitors could peek into the future of Karlstad when the circular pop-up gallery Rundgång was open in Mitt i City. Rundgång - which is based on a political motion, a citizen's proposal and a proposal for action from Elevborgarråd för klimatet - ran for nine packed weeks. The pop-up brought together over 40 stakeholders who had the opportunity to showcase and test their circular concepts and ideas. But the future is closer and more desirable than you might think, and the circular mall soon became a permanent feature of the city center!
The project manager in the municipality, Emma Sundh, was a strong driving force and Rundgång brought together a wide range of actors, such as MQ, Colorama Karlstad (now Alcro Färg & Tapet), Glitter, Clas Ohlson, Rekoroben, Westerlunds Vintage, Ica Maxi, Coop Värmland, Bark Sweden, MiniMagasinet, Värmlands museum, Rabbit Hole Vintage, Solareturen, Elises fyndhörna and Vintage Sphere.
- In conversations with the business community, it is clear that the vast, vast majority want and see the need to change. But driving that transition on their own is not easy. Rundgång helped to lower the thresholds for sustainable trade and show that such a transition is not only possible - it is highly sought after!" says Emma Sundh.
One of the main reasons why Rundgång was such a success was the collaboration between the municipality, the retailers, the property owner, the university and also civil society. This collaboration took place on all sides - in an organized project group, and of course within the pop-up gallery itself, but also ad hoc. Depending on what needed to be solved, a large number of actors contributed.
- A municipality has great opportunities to act as a unifying force that few other actors in society have. It is a tool we should use even more. Municipalities can also be innovation drivers and use the site as an arena for innovation," says Henric Barkman, process manager for Climate Neutral Karlstad 2030.
This is part of a larger work and mobilization within Viable Cities, where Karlstad is working towards the mission of Climate Neutral Cities 2030, with a good life for all within the planetary boundaries.
- For most municipalities, circular trade and consumption, together with sustainable transport, are the key areas for reducing emissions. Rundgång showed that it is possible to find attractive and successful forms of circular trade, and that the circular is ready to take place in our city centers, says Henric Barkman.
The circular mall is now permanently operated in Mitt i City under cooperative auspices, a testament to the commitment of stakeholders and the need and will of citizens. Following the successful test in Karlstad, Emma Sundh has been project manager for Loop, a circular shopping mall in Östersund, in the true spirit ofSpy and apply. It's not only ideas that can be copied and twisted, city to city, but also people!
- Dare! It is the task of every municipality to promote a sustainable business which many also concrete goals and tasks for this. Just make sure, of course, that we ensure equal treatment and that we do not favor a single actor. The municipality supports the business community in many other ways, but sometimes discussions arise precisely because this feels new and different, says Henric. In addition, the property owner is key - good cooperation with an interested property owner means a lot. "When it comes to project managers, I recommend that you find the best possible one. This person has a crucial role in getting everyone on board and getting all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.
Charlotte Wedberg, Process Manager and Environmental Strategist, charlotte.wedberg@karlstad.se
Henric Barkman, Process Manager and Environmental Strategist, henric.barkman@karlstad.se
