The vintage scene in Manchester is well and truly thriving, and we of course like to champion second hand shopping where we can. Now, Charity Super.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store, will be strutting its stuff for even longer as it extends its residency in Quayside MediaCity until January 28 2024.
The fashion concept has so far sold more than 6,500 items to the tune of £52,000, with proceeds going to the charities involved, which include Age UK, All Aboard, Emmaus, Havens Hospices, Together Trust, and St Vincent de Paul.
Championing sustainable fashion, the pop-up’s success has ensured that nearly 2 tonnes of clothing has been saved from the landfill, as well as saving more than 16,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
From the most vibrant of vintage clothing, to the best of band tees, forgotten football tops, desirable denim, and everything in between, the pop-up offers a curated collection of the most appealing second-hand apparel from charities, with in-store DJs at the weekends and more events to be announced.
The very first Charity Super.Mkt opened in the old Topshop in Brent Cross in January 2023 – it was so popular that it hit its four-week target in just four days, raising significant funds for both local and national charities. Since then, it has gained traction opening multiple stores across the south of the country.
With all proceeds going to the charities involved, it has also helped to fund nearly 200 extra days of cancer nurses for Cancer Research UK, 15 days of emergency helpline cover for Shelter, 3,000 hours of nursing care for Marie Curie, and paid for people with learning disabilities to gain part time employment through Brandon Trust’s social enterprises, to name just a few.
Charity Super.Mkt is co-founded by Maria Chenoweth, CEO of sustainable clothing charity TRAID and Wayne Hemingway MBE, of HemingwayDesign and co-founder of British fashion brand Red or Dead. It aims to create a destination that allows people to shop sustainably and with purpose.
On the success of Charity Super.Mkt so far, Wayne Hemingway MBE said: “The response to the first Charity Super.Mkt in the north has been phenomenal. We’re taking similar revenues to mainstream retailers which is a clear indication that there is a big change in the world, charity clothes have real appeal and people are buying with purpose in mind. We’d like to keep encouraging everyone to bring down their unwanted items so that we can keep raising vital funds for the charities involved.”
Maria Chenoweth, commented: “My career and ambition has always been to promote second-hand fashion as the most impactful way to dress ourselves. The creation of Charity Super.Mkt has brought charity retailers into mainstream retail, gaining amazing locations that would have otherwise been inaccessible.”
Charity Super.Mkt will be open in Quayside MediaCity until January 28 2024 and will be announcing several special events soon.
Opening Hours of Charity Super.Mkt at Quayside Shopping Centre will be: Mon – Fri 10am-6pm (Thu 10am-8pm) Sat 10am – 7pm, Sun 11am – 5pm.