UK’s first multi-charity shop opens in Brent Cross - supplies coming from Barnardo’s, Cancer Research & more

The first ever multi-charity shop has opened in the UK, operating from the famous Brent Cross Shopping Centre. It comes as second-hand fashion is gaining in popularity amid the rising cost of living and a higher demand for sustainable shopping.

Buying from charity shops is a great way of sustainable shopping, with more than 90 percent of charity shop sales coming from donations according to Charity Retail. Over 10,000 charity shops are in operation in the UK.

Charity Super.Mkt sells donated clothing supplied by 10 UK charities, including the well established Barnardo’s and Cancer Research. Like most charity shops, volunteers will oversee its stay.

You’ll need to act fast though, as it is only a pop-up shop and will be open at the North London shopping centre for just one month. Other charities contributing clothes include Age UK, All Aboard, Emmaus, Havens Hospice, SCT, Marie Curie, TRAID and Shelter.

The new multi-charity shop is all down to two people - Wayne Hemingway, founder of the Red or Dead fashion brand, and Maria Chenoweth, the CEO of TRAID. Chenoweth explained the idea was inspired by charity shops  not “getting the recognition they deserved".

Speaking to the BBC, Hemingway said: "When you look at the demographic of people who are shopping in charity shops, it’s the people who are leading the way in thinking.” He added that around 65 percent of people wear second hand clothes every week.

The perception around charity shops has largely changed, according to Ms Chenoweth who says post-pandemic, some charity brands had seen a 20 percent increase in sales and have now become mainstream.