Innovation

The innovation behind Kingsman’s model lies in how it integrates circular economy principles directly into the retail experience. Instead of relying on newly manufactured items, which are often waste-generating, the business rescues, refurbishes, and re-circulates high-quality pieces that would otherwise be discarded. Their restoration process extends product lifespans, while curated collections help consumers choose sustainable options without compromising style. Kingsman’s physical locations and online presence also help normalize second-hand design as a premium, first-choice alternative, shifting consumer behavior toward more responsible patterns.

This approach directly supports UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by minimizing waste, reducing demand for new materials, and promoting more mindful purchasing habits. Kingsman’s model demonstrates how small and medium-sized enterprises can operationalize sustainability not as an add-on, but as a core value proposition. By making circular design desirable, accessible, and aspirational, Kingsman contributes to a cultural shift in how society values objects, helping create a world where beautiful spaces can be built without unnecessary environmental impact.

Inspiration

The leader was motivated by noticing that Scandinavian and Danish furniture became increasingly popular. Their love for Scandinavian design and frustration with poor-quality, mass-produced furniture shaped the foundation of the business. They believe in homes being filled with meaningful and long-lasting pieces rather than disposable items that are harmful to the environment and likely to fall apart quickly.

Overall impact

The business has made high-quality, sustainable furniture more accessible to consumers in Breda and beyond. By sourcing, restoring, and selling vintage pieces, Kingsman reduces immediate demand for newly manufactured furniture, cutting down on resource extraction, production emissions, and landfill waste. Customers benefit from stylish, durable products, while employees gain meaningful work in restoration and design, creating a ripple effect of economic and social value within the community. Evidence of this short-term impact can be seen in strong customer engagement, repeat purchases, and increased foot traffic to pop-up stores and online sales.

In the long term, Kingsman’s approach promotes a cultural shift toward circular consumption and responsible production. By elevating vintage and refurbished furniture as premium, desirable options, the business helps normalize sustainable consumer behavior, reducing the overall environmental footprint of interior design over time. Long-term effects also include fostering skilled craftsmanship, supporting local artisans, and inspiring other businesses to adopt circular economy principles. Indicators of long-term impact include growing awareness of sustainable design trends, expansion of Kingsman’s operations, and broader adoption of used furniture in the Netherlands.

Overall, Kingsman Vintage & Design demonstrates that combining aesthetic appeal with sustainability can create measurable benefits across multiple dimensions. The innovation reduces environmental harm, generates economic value, and encourages responsible consumer behavior. Both immediate outcomes, such as increased reuse of materials, and longer-term cultural shifts toward circular design illustrate the potential of small businesses to drive lasting impact.

Business benefit

By creating a niche market that combines sustainability with design excellence, Kingsman has attracted a loyal customer base willing to pay premium prices for curated pieces. This focus has translated into increased revenue streams, particularly through pop-up stores in Breda and a growing online presence, allowing the business to reach markets beyond its local community.

Because the business invests in careful restoration and design expertise, it has been able to hire skilled employees, providing meaningful work in craftsmanship, customer service, and design curation. Employee well-being is enhanced through hands-on, creative work that aligns with sustainable values. Retention rates are higher than average, as employees are motivated by the combination of purpose-driven work and a supportive environment.

By demonstrating the value of circular economy principles in practice, Kingsman has also opened opportunities for new products and services, such as customized restoration projects and collaborative design pieces with local artisans.

Social and environmental benefit

Kingsman Vintage & Design’s innovation benefits society by making sustainable living both accessible and appealing. By restoring and curating timeless furniture pieces, the business offers consumers in Breda and across the Netherlands an alternative to mass-produced, disposable goods. This approach empowers people to furnish their homes with high-quality items that carry history, craftsmanship, and longevity. In doing so, Kingsman helps shift everyday purchasing habits toward more mindful and responsible choices, an important societal step in addressing overconsumption.

Environmentally, the impact is direct. Each vintage item restored and resold keeps valuable materials in circulation and prevents them from becoming waste. Because furniture production often involves hardwoods, metals, plastics, and significant energy inputs, reusing existing pieces significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with interior design. Kingsman’s focus on repair and refurbishment extends product lifecycles, lowers demand for new manufacturing, and reduces landfill impact. This circular model directly supports UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Interview

Niels Verbene, CEO

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