Charity Super.Mkt is expanding to meet the increasing demand for secondhand clothing.
- New pop-up stores will open in cities like Edinburgh, Leeds, Sheffield, and London.
- The initiative has already achieved remarkable sales figures since its debut in January 2023.
- Co-founder Wayne Hemingway emphasises the importance of secondhand fashion amid fast fashion competition.
- Shoppers seek quality and vintage items, showing a shift away from fast fashion trends.
Charity Super.Mkt is gearing up for a significant expansion. The organisation plans to launch new pop-up stores in key cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Leeds, Sheffield, and London’s Canary Wharf. This move aims to tap into the growing consumer interest in secondhand clothing, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
Since its launch in January 2023, Charity Super.Mkt has successfully operated 16 stores and generated £3 million in sales. These impressive figures underscore the initiative’s success in promoting pre-loved fashion. Initially starting in the former Topshop at London’s Brent Cross Shopping Centre, the venture has also made its mark by taking over the ex-Fenwick store in Bond Street.
Wayne Hemingway, co-founder and former designer for Red or Dead, highlights the strategic importance of locating these large stores in high-traffic areas. He notes that these locations are crucial in ‘flying the flag for secondhand’ amidst increasing competition from fast fashion brands. Hemingway candidly states, ‘It is almost like a battle for hearts and minds.’ He emphasises the convenience of high street shopping and the necessity to offer an alternative that’s both appealing and sustainable.
The trend towards secondhand shopping reflects a broader consumer shift. Shoppers are increasingly disinterested in fast fashion, opting instead for quality brands and vintage items that promise longevity and value. This change in consumer behaviour supports sustainable practices and challenges the fast fashion model, promoting a more circular economy.
Charity Super.Mkt’s expansion is a testament to the growing appeal of sustainable and secondhand fashion.
