A SUPERMARKET which is changing the way we shop for clothes is extending its stay in Reading.
The Charity.SuperMkt has announced that those seeking thrift and sustainability will have longer to take advantage of its wares as it is set to stay for three more weeks.
The outlet is currently stationed in the ex-Topshop location on the first floor of The Oracle shopping centre, and will remain until Sunday, May 21.
Charity Super.Mkt is the first multi-charity shop in the UK and opened its branch in The Oracle following a successful month-long launch in Brent Cross, north London.
The shop sells clothes donated by 10 British charities, including high-profile organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Bernardo’s, Marie Curie, and Age UK.
The shop was a project put together by fashion brand founder Wayne Hemingway and the Textile Reuse and International Development CEO, Maria Chenoweth.
The initiative is intended to boost charity retailers which Ms Chenoweth said were not getting the recognition they deserved.
Since the Reading branch opened in late March, the outlet has raised £500,000, sold 50,000 items, and increased footfall in the centre by 7%.
This has enabled 96 days’ worth of pay for cancer nurses by Cancer Research, helped Shelter to fund 1,000 webchat housing advice calls, and saved 11 tonnes of clothing from landfill.
Co-founder Wayne Hemingway said: “The cost of living crisis, coupled with a desire to be more sustainable makes this the perfect retailer for 2023.
“It has the excitement of Topshop at the height of the 90s only this time it’s all about the circular economy and the money goes to causes that ultimately touch all our lives.
This included, he explained, “end of life care, research into cancer, homelessness, looking after the ageing and caring for animals.
“We’re thrilled the good people of Berkshire are enjoying the store and are chuffed they’ve demanded an extension.”
Co-founder Maria Chenoweth said: “This is the first-time charity retailers have retailed together, due to having a competition mindset.
“Here charities that support differing causes are joining forces, sharing resources and in doing so making more money for great causes.
“There is also the added benefit of learning from sharing expertise, in price points, staffing and stocking.
“The model works because it gives stakeholders in a retail space what they want– great products and affordability for consumers, increased footfall for landlords and increased revenue for the retailers.
“This is what the retail destinations of the future should look like.”
A spokesperson from Thames Hospice said that the charity was “thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the Charity Super.Mkt when it opened in The Oracle in Reading last month, and the response from customers has been amazing.
“Customers love the atmosphere and this new bright and modern way of sustainable shopping. This event has opened the doors to a wider audience who may not have explored charity shopping before.
“As a local charity, it has allowed us to tap into the mainstream shopping market and embed pre-loved fashion as the way forward, whilst generating much needed income for our Hospice.”
The Charity Super.Mkt will now close on Sunday, May 21.
It will be open from 9.30am-8pm, Monday to Friday, from 9am-7pm on Saturdays, and from 11am-5pm on Sundays.
More information about the store is available via: charitysupermkt.com
