CYKERO opens pop-up store in Montpellier

French German refurbisher CYKEROopened a pop-up store in Montpellier in early November, inviting consumers to experience used and refurbished devices alongside a new tech accessory line. The space at Place de la Comédie mixes sustainability, service and retail to demonstrate how refurbished devices can be both desirable and commercially viable. The store positions the company to showcase refurbished smartphones including Apple iPhone models, express repair services and an artisan-made accessory range.

A space for sustainability

The CYKERO Collection focuses on Apple Watch bands and other Apple accessories crafted from leather waste sourced from premium houses. Materials include matte Nappa leather, Alcantara linings and vegetable-tanned leather labels. Each item is handmade in Besançon to preserve local savoir-faire and to ensure uncompromising quality. The collection is presented in premium Alcantara boxes and pouches and is aimed at channels that allow higher margin opportunities for the secondary market.

Tech Bar and Second Life

Customers at the pop-up can access a Tech Bar providing free diagnostics, express repairs and parts sold at cost price. The CYKERO Second Life range offers a full set of used and refurbished products tested and guaranteed for up to 24-months. The approach is intended to increase transparency and accessibility while reducing the environmental impact of one-use devices.

Technocenter 5.0 robotics

Cykero has recently opened Technocenter 5.0 near Montpellier, a robotised, AI-powered facility dedicated to processing and grading devices. The site goes beyond conventional automation by integrating human expertise and strong sustainability principles. Its focus areas include close human–machine collaboration, personalised production flows, energy-efficient operations, circular-economy practices, and a strong commitment to workplace well-being through improved ergonomics and safety. The company also cites an ambitious R&D objective: achieving nearly 100% repairability of smartphone components and reducing product returns to well below 2%, compared with an industry average of around 15%.

Strategic relocation and growth

CYKERO will relocate its French headquarters from Maisons-Laffitte to Montpellier in early 2025, moving into Montpellier International Business Incubator facilities. The company projects revenues rising from € 12.5 million in 2023 to € 27 million in 2024. Capacity increases and automation are expected to enable higher processing volumes and strengthen competitiveness in the circular economy.

Economic and social impact

The expansion is expected to create 160 local jobs by 2026. Local authorities have pledged more than € 1.1 million in support. Regional leaders highlighted alignment with digital and ecological priorities and opportunities for collaboration with universities and research labs. With its pop-up store and upgraded processing capabilities, CYKERO aims to combine German precision with French craftsmanship while offering the European secondary market new margin and sustainability opportunities.

Our take on CYKERO

With the introduction of Collection CYKERO takes a next step in offering the European secondary market an opportunity to regain some of the lost margins, that has been hitting the market lately. And top off that it is a great sustainable way of using material, like leather, that otherwise would end up on a landfill. Their new processing facility will become a showcase of integrating robotized and automated processing with the necessary human interface. The company is clearly ready for its next step.