// Marks & Spencer is calling on customers to donate their pre-loved clothing to Oxfam via its Shwopping scheme
// The Shwopping scheme was launched by the retailer in 2008
As part of the retailer’s Plan A sustainability programme, Marks and Spencer is calling on customers to donate their used clothing to Oxfam via its recently refreshed Shwopping scheme.
According to a survey by the retailer, two thirds of its customers are planning a New Year wardrobe reorganisation this month.
The new reward system looks to encourage customers to donate their clothing through its Sparks loyalty programme, allowing them to drop donations off at Marks and Spencer stores using a QR code. In return, donors will receive exclusive rewards in the Sparks hub.
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The retailer has asked customers to donate good quality, clean clothing that Oxfam can sell in its stores, to raise money for the charity’s work in fighting poverty.
M&S head of sustainable business Carmel McQuaid, said: “We know our customers are busy and we’re passionate about helping them live lower carbon lives by offering simple solutions that make it easy,”
“Reselling, reusing, and recycling clothing is a simple way that we can all make a difference and our long-standing shwopping scheme with Oxfam is a brilliant programme that rewards customers for doing their bit.”
The Shwopping scheme was launched by the retailer in 2008 and has since been responsible for over 35 million items donated to Oxfam, reportedly raising around 23 million pounds. Donations are sent to Oxfam’s recycling plant, Wastesaver, to be sorted, with damaged items sold to recycling traders so nothing goes to waste.
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