M&S adds rewards element to Shwopping scheme as consumers plan wardrobe clearouts

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jan 3, 2022

With Marks & Spencer claiming two thirds of its customers are planning a New Year wardrobe clear-out, the retailer is encouraging them to take advantage of its refreshed Shwopping scheme.

A key part of the retailer’s sustainability programme, Shwopping allows customers to donate pre-loved clothing and accessories. And now its scheme has been updated, this new year will be the first time its customers will be rewarded with a £5-off M&S Clothing & Home voucher for making a donation.

Customers have to sign up to M&S’s loyalty scheme, Sparks, and scan the QR code on the box when they drop off their good quality, clean clothes via the Shwop boxes at any of M&S’s Clothing stores.

The returned items are then forwarded to charity Oxfam to raise money for its work fighting poverty around the world. Items accepted include shoes, handbags, jewellery, belts, hats, scarves, and bras from any retailer.

During January M&S said it will be encouraging customers to take part via its local social media pages. 

Carmel McQuaid, Head of Sustainable Business for M&S, 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.”

M&S said since launching shwopping in 2008, over 35 million items have been donated raising an estimated £23 million for Oxfam’s work across the world.