CHARITY SUPER.MKT TO OPEN FIRST NORTHERN POP-UP IN MEDIACITY

Charity Super.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store, will be strutting its stuff for the first time in the North when it opens in Quayside MediaCity next month.

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 will offer 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 fashion concept will be officially opening in Quayside MediaCity at 6pm on Thursday 2nd November, with a special preview for those eager to get their hands on the most stylish second-hand garments, ahead of the store having its first full day on Friday 3rd November.

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 multi stores across the south of the country.

In just six months of operating, Charity Super.Mkt has sold over 100,000 second hand items, stopped 30,000kg of clothes going to landfill, and prevented more than 260,000kg of CO2 emissions.

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 Maria Curie, and paid for people with learning disabilities to gain part time employment through Brandon Trust’s social enterprises, to name but a few.

This is also the first time that national and local charities have collaborated for a multi-charity physical retail store in the North of England, with Quayside MediaCity playing host. The pop-up store will also be staffed by volunteers inspired by ethical and sustainable shopping.

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 bringing the concept to the North for the first time, Wayne Hemingway MBE, said: “Fashion is changing as are the desires of younger shoppers who are more conscious than ever on the impact their spending has on the planet. The North of England has always been strong on community support and charity so we’re incredibly proud to opening here for the first time.

“There are so many incredible garments and styles that would otherwise be lost to the pages of fashion magazines, but we can keep them alive, give people the opportunity to shop in an incredibly affordable way and create unique looks, bring more sustainability into their lives, and give to truly worthwhile causes – what’s not to love.”

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 retail is now a positive part of the modern retail mix, providing more good quality affordable clothing options amid an increased cost of living and a more sustainable approach to buying and reusing loved items. It is now the best performing retail category in the UK, having increased 12% in the last year (TRAID).

Charity Super.Mkt will be open in Quayside MediaCity from 2nd November to 13th Decemberand will be announcing several special events soon. The charities involved include Age UK, All Aboard, Havens Hospices and St Vincent de Paul.

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.