Leroy Merlin is strengthening its “Almost Perfect” spaces in its stores, where it sells products with minor aesthetic imperfections, but fully functional, with discounts of 30%, 50% and 70%. The brand plans to consolidate these spaces across all large-format stores by the end of 2026, in an initiative aimed at extending the lifespan of items and reducing waste, the company said in a press release.
According to the same source, by the end of August, more than 30,000 products had been diverted from their end of life through this project, which had generated 731,000 euros in sales. The items span several store sections, with the greatest representation in the Bathroom and Garden departments.
The products bear marks, scratches or other cosmetic imperfections in appearance, without compromising their functionality and safety. All are inspected and tested before being made available for sale. Electrical and electronic equipment undergoes a technical screening in the company’s internal repair workshops. The items also come with a three-year warranty.
“The aim of the ‘Almost Perfect’ program is to show that small defects do not affect the full functionality and safety of the products,” says João Lavos, Director of Positive Impact and Sustainability at Leroy Merlin. The executive notes that, in a context of rising cost of living, buying a functional product at a reduced price “is a smart and responsible choice, which avoids waste and reinforces our commitment to Positive Impact.”
The initiative forms part of the company’s sustainability strategy, which seeks to promote circularity by extending the use of products, reducing waste and decreasing the need to extract new raw materials. The program complements other brand services, such as repair and equipment rental.
With the “Almost Perfect” spaces, Leroy Merlin also aims to encourage consumers to value the functionality of products, rather than discarding them for small cosmetic imperfections.
