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The Rediscovery Centre is here to give you some top tips to run your very own fun and sustainable Clothes Swap Shop! 

First of all, how does a Swap Shop work?

It’s simple. They are events where you can bring clothes in good condition that you no longer need. And in exchange, you take home an outfit someone else has brought…. Without any money changing hands. It’s a win-win! You get something new to you, and you give your preloved things a second life!

 

We have a permanent swap rail in the Rediscovery Centre, and we always add Halloween and Christmas rails in season- it’s a brilliant way to save money on costumes and Christmas jumpers. Swap rails also work well in libraries and community spaces, but let’s talk about how easy it is to set up and run a Swap Shop – anywhere, anytime. 

 

Our Top Tips for running your own Swap Shop

Think about who it is for

Who is your event for? How many people do you hope will attend? The great thing about swaps is they can be small events with your friends in your kitchen, or they can be larger community events. Once you have decided who your event is for, you can decide on a venue. This can be in: your sitting room; community centres; school gyms; or even your workplace!

 

Make sure to book your space in advance, and don’t forget to ask if tables, chairs, and other equipment like rails are available at the venue. If not, see if you can borrow them.

 

Think about the theme

General swaps are always welcome, but you can also run a themed swap. What events happen in your community where people like wearing ‘new’ outfits? Halloween and Christmas Jumper swaps are always a great way to reduce waste and save money. Could you do the same with evening wear, near debs season? School uniforms at the end of summer? 

 

Think about the atmosphere

How should you set up the space?

Swap shops can be fantastic spaces for socialising. Why not put on some music in a speaker to liven the atmosphere? Could you also have a repair table where people can sit and chat and mend?

 

Think about what you want people to bring

The golden rule of swapping: only bring something you’d like to find yourself at a swap shop. Everything should be clean and in good condition. Think about what other guidelines you’d like? Will you allow gym wear, swimwear, jewellery? Make sure this is clear on all your advertising.

 

The most important thing: limit the amount of clothes people can bring. To prevent a large pile of leftover clothes, limit people to 3-5 items. 

 

If you have leftover clothes, you can keep them for the next swap, ask volunteers to take whatever they’d like, or donate to your local charity shop. 

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