The UK’s first multi-charity store has opened up in Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Charity Super.Mrkt showcases a collection of clothing from 10 UK charities under one roof, taking place of the former Topshop unit.
It launched on Friday (January 27) and will be open to shoppers for four weeks.
Clothes are supplied from charities including Barnardo’s, Cancer Research, Emmaus, Age UK, All Aboard, Havens Hospice, SCT, TRAID, Shelter and Marie Curie.
The organisation provides the destination, location, marketing, music and customers.
Charity Super.Mkt is the brainchild of Wayne Hemingway MBE, founder of British fashion brand, Red or Dead and Hemingway Design, and Maria Chenoweth, CEO of the sustainable clothing charity, TRAID.
Mr Hemingway said: “Charity shops are no longer a signal of decline in our town centres, they represent a powerful and positive movement towards the circular economy and a future that is being wholeheartedly embraced by consumers and contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to our economy, and good causes.
“Launching in Brent Cross puts charity shop fashion where it belongs, alongside the big, inspirational retailers like Apple and John Lewis in a destination where shoppers come for great retail experiences.”
It is hoped that the idea was two years in the making, with some charity brands seeing a 20 per cent increase in sales post pandemic.
Charity retailers will be able to flog items to those wishing to save money amid the cost of living crisis, while also supporting people in need.
Sarah Tinsley, Director of Marketing and Placemaking at Hammerson -the joint owner and asset manager of Brent Cross - said: “This unique partnership underpins our strategy to launch a number of big market firsts across our portfolio this year.
“Sustainable fashion brands and stores are growing in popularity globally, so we’re excited to be able to bring this innovative concept to our Brent Cross customers first.”
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