Ever wished you could get paid for being sustainable? M&S just made it happen! They’ve launched an innovative scheme where donating your pre-loved M&S clothing could earn you money off your next shop. It’s a win-win for your wardrobe and the planet. Ready to refresh your style while doing good?
Marks & Spencer has embarked on a significant journey towards fostering a more environmentally conscious consumer culture, officially launching an innovative resale service designed to empower customers in their choices. Amidst a global surge in the popularity of second-hand garments, this initiative positions the high-street giant at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement, making it easier and more rewarding for shoppers to engage in circular economy practices.
The newly unveiled program allows customers to both trade in and purchase pre-loved clothing through a strategic partnership with eBay, a leading online marketplace. This collaboration extends beyond simple reselling, as M&S has also teamed up with ethical firm Reskinned, ensuring that all donated items undergo a professional process of cleaning and repair, upholding quality and extending the lifespan of each garment.
A key incentive for participation in this clothing donation scheme is the tangible reward offered to customers. For every item donated that still bears an M&S label, individuals will receive a £5 discount applicable to fashion, home, and beauty products online. This offer is valid for four weeks and requires a minimum spend of £35, directly linking responsible disposal with future shopping benefits.
Engaging with the resale service is designed to be seamless and accessible. Customers can initiate the process by completing a brief form on the official M&S website or by scanning a designated QR code available in participating stores that stock fashion, beauty, and homeware ranges. Following this, pre-loved clothing items can be conveniently dispatched to Reskinned using a free local courier service, simplifying the entire contribution process.
Beyond the immediate financial incentive, the program emphasizes a profound commitment to environmental responsibility. Reskinned plays a crucial role not only in restoring garments to a resaleable condition but also in ensuring that any items deemed unsuitable for resale are responsibly repurposed or recycled. This comprehensive approach minimizes textile waste, a critical issue in the modern fashion industry, underscoring the initiative’s ethical shopping credentials.
The philanthropic dimension of this venture is equally significant, with 15 percent of all proceeds generated from the resale service being directed towards Oxfam, M&S’s long-standing partner charity. This builds upon M&S’s pioneering history in clothes recycling, particularly its ‘Shwopping’ scheme launched years ago, which has reportedly collected 35 million items and contributed an estimated £23 million to Oxfam, showcasing a consistent dedication to social and environmental causes.
Monique Leewenburgh, Director of Sourcing and Technology in Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, articulated the brand’s dedication, stating, “At M&S, we are committed to supporting customers to do the right thing and playing our part in reducing textile waste. We’re delighted to be partnering with the pre-loved experts at eBay and Reskinned to launch a dedicated resale platform. This not only offers more ways for customers to give items Another Life, but also an opportunity for customers to purchase items they might have missed from previous seasons – which are pre-loved.”
Matt Hanrahan, Co-Founder of Reskinned, further emphasized the collective mission: “At Reskinned our mission is to maximise the lifespan of clothing. We’re making it easy for brands and their customers to rehome unwanted clothes, whether that’s reselling, repairing or if it’s end-of-life recycling it responsibly. We’re determined to create a more sustainable clothing future for us all.”
Reinforcing the broader societal impact, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh commented, “Our Plan for Change is focused on cleaning up Britain, ending our throwaway culture and ensuring that the 700,000 odd tonnes of clothes we throw away each year are worn more.” This governmental endorsement highlights the alignment of M&S’s initiative with national sustainability goals, further solidifying its importance in promoting responsible consumption and waste reduction within the sustainable fashion landscape.
