Marks and Spencer invites customers to donate used clothing to Oxfam through its newly refreshed Shwopping program as part of their Plan A sustainability programme.
According to the department store’s recent survey, 65 percent of customers indicated that they were going to clean out their closets for the New Year. Customers will be encouraged to donate clothing via the Sparks loyalty program, which allows them to drop off donations at Marks and Spencer locations. Sparks hub donors will be eligible for exclusive rewards.
To raise funds for Oxfam’s poverty-fighting work, the retailer asked its customers to donate clean, high quality clothing to Oxfam.
“We understand that our customers are busy and so we’re passionate to help them live a lower carbon life by offering simple solutions that make things easier,” Carmel McQuaid (head of sustainable business at Marks and Spencer), stated in a press release. “Reselling, recycling and reusing clothing is an easy way to make a difference. Our long-standing Shwopping program with Oxfam is a great programme that rewards customers who do their part.”
Marks and Spencer’s Plan A strategy
In 2008, the retailer launched the Shwopping program. Since then, more than 35 million items have been donated to Oxfam. To ensure that nothing goes to waste, donations are sent to Oxfam’s Wastesaver recycling plant.
It was part of the retailer’s Plan A sustainability strategy that saw a revamp in September 2021. Shwopping, which includes the new rewards, is part of the Plan A sustainability strategy. These initiatives aim to increase the retailer’s commitments to sustainable development.
One recent initiative was the launch of a clothing renting trail through Hire Street, an online rental platform. Customers can also participate in the ongoing campaign “Look Behind the Label”, which aims to reduce carbon emissions. Customers can find out more about Marks and Spencer’s initiatives through the retailer’s platform.
