The Street Store, the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up store for those living on the street, returns to the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point on Saturday 12 April from 09:00 until 11:00.
The initiative offers the needy a chance to be clothed with dignity – and at no cost.
The latest Street Store, building on more than 1 100 stores globally since the initiative was founded 11 years ago, is the culmination of a partnership between The Up&Up Group and Old Khaki.
The “Last season is so this season” campaign has encouraged people to think differently about clothing and how they can partake in the circular economy through the transformative power of fashion and giving.
The initiative involved Old Khaki setting up special Street Store clothing rails in their stores, inviting their customers to donate their pre-loved clothes at selected outlets.
These collection points ran until the end of March.
The clothing store also announced that it had donated a portion of its own merchandise towards the Street Stores, while a partnership with Unilever will see packages, including toiletries being made available for Street Store customers. That fundamental principle underpins the experience: the dignity that comes with offering choice.
The initiative comes at a time when the fashion industry’s own carbon footprint is increasingly under the spotlight.
In 2024, the industry was responsible for 1,2-billion tons of greenhouse gasses, and this number is expected to rise 50% by 2030.
This year’s campaign encourages people to think differently about fashion, which is aligned with The Street Store’s mission to address waste, promote circular economies, and foster a culture of mindful giving and sustainable fashion.
Nival Maharaj, Street Store spokesperson at The Up&Up Group, says that running a Street Store unleashes the transformative power of fashion.
“The Street Store encourages us all to be conscious of our own behaviours and how we can give back to society by playing a part in the circular economy. Rather donate than contribute to thousands of tonnes of used clothes in landfills.
“Consider this, a preloved, but now unworn item of clothing packed in the back of a cupboard could become a job interview or matric dance fit for someone else. The possibilities are endless.”
Odile Hufkie, Head of Marketing at the clothing store says: “It was important for us to partner with an initiative that seeks to make lasting change. It’s been inspiring to see the installations at our stores encourage people to be mindful about their own behaviours as well as the environment and those in need. We look forward to the Street Store in Green Point where last season’s fashion is poised to make a real difference in people’s lives this year.”
Clothing donations can still be dropped off at The Up&Up Group’s campuses in De Smit Street, Media Quarter, 5th floor in Cape Town.
