M&S expands Shwopping scheme to more stores

M&S has announced it is extending its long-standing Shwopping scheme with the roll-out of dedicated school uniform Shwop boxes in over 200 of its stores across the UK.

Through the new M&S Back-to-School Shwopping boxes, donated preloved school uniform that pass the ‘hand-me-down quality test’ will be given a second life in an Oxfam shop, and for the first time, made available on a dedicated preloved school uniform shop on eBay.

M&S’ partnership with eBay will mean that even more families can access quality affordable School uniforms. 

In addition, every school uniform sale will raise funds to support Oxfam’s work to tackle poverty and inequality around the world. Any school uniform that can’t be resold in Oxfam shops or on eBay will be recycled or reused wherever possible.

Since launching Shwopping in 2008, M&S has collected over 36 million items which has contributed an estimated £23m to Oxfam’s work across the world. 

Today, the latest insight from M&S’ Family Matters Index highlights that 60% of families continue to be worried about environmental damage on future generations and 44% are looking to make their clothing last longer. 

Alexandra Dimitriu, kidswear director at M&S, said: “We know our customers frequently hand down our school uniform to friends and family, and this season, we’re encouraging them to drop school uniform which they no longer need into one of our new Shwopping boxes where it will be resold in Oxfam shops and through our exciting pilot shop with eBay. 

“It’s one of the many ways we’re trying to make our best-in-class school uniform accessible to all families, however and whenever they choose to shop.”

Lorna Fallon, retail director of Oxfam, said: “The Back-to-School Shwopping scheme is a win-win initiative and a simple way for shoppers to make a huge difference. Donating preloved school uniforms through the scheme is not only better for the environment, since it gives garments a longer life cycle, it also raises funds for Oxfam’s life-saving work, and it helps parents here in the UK who may be struggling with the cost of kitting their children out for school.”

Lucy Peacock, head of preloved fashion at eBay UK, added: “Every parent should be able to have access to a school uniform for their child at any age which is good quality and fit for purpose. The cost-of-living crisis has created greater education poverty and an ever-increasing need for school uniforms. 

“Together with M&S and Oxfam, we are proud to be able to pilot an e-commerce solution to help parents get access to pre-loved school uniforms across all corners of the UK.”