M&S has revealed a brand-new service which will give your clothes a second life.
Shoppers have been raving “great idea” at the new service which is set to launch for as little as £5.
M&S is introducing a clothing repair service in partnership with Sojo, a specialist repair and tailoring business established in 2021.
Based on recent data from the supermarket, just 10% of people feel competent enough to fix clothes on their own, and 60% of customers want more services that help them reduce their carbon footprint from stores.
In a bid to keep up with sustainable fashion demands, the retailer will allow customers to book a range of services from zip replacement to knitwear mending.
Shoppers will be able to access the services via M&S Fixed by Soho Online hub.
The retailer announced that M&S clothing repairs will begin at £5 and customers can expect their items to be sent off, fixed, and returned to them in ten days.
Richard Price, the managing director of clothing and home at M&S, said: “At M&S, exceptional quality products are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to ensure that all our clothes are too good to waste.”
The new initiative is set to kick off this August as M&S sets its sight to tackle textile waste.
The retailer, citing WRAP NGO, reported that 1.6 billion clothes in our wardrobes in the UK alone aren’t being used, or 31 pieces on average per person.
Josephine Philips, the founder and CEO of Sojo, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying: “It has always been a core mission of ours at Sojo to make repairing clothes mainstream and to extend the life of as many garments as possible.
“As a brand that has remained a firm constant in almost every household and wardrobe in Britain, this partnership will truly bring easy, accessible and convenient repairs to the masses.”
The news come amid a so-called “repair revolution” which saw alteration apps like Sojo and The Seam thriving.
With M&S, the number of companies providing in-house repairing services has increased to include Mulberry, Uniqlo, and Barbour.
Customers at M&S can also learn how to renew and mend their own worn-out clothing.
The retailer added: “As well as a range of services, the Plan A – ‘Another life.’ platform will be home to a selection of 60-second ‘how to’ videos covering everything from debobbling knitwear to adjusting hemlines – created by M&S’ team of in-house technical experts.
Shoppers have hailed the idea “brilliant” and “great” as they flocked to the comments to react to the news.
One person wrote: “Brilliant idea. The times I have looked for someone to do alterations like this – well done, and thought of.
“It’s needed, I hope it lasts.”
Another one added: “That is great news. Sewing is one thing I’m not good at and finding a seamstress or tailor nowadays is difficult.”
A third person said: “That’s a brilliant idea, well done.”
Someone else added: “Well done, M&S. My mum was a tailor. We were all taught to saw at school or guides.
“We knew how to reuse things in the olden days. We could not afford to throw away.”
A fifth person wrote: “Great idea. Most of the dresses or skirts I buy are too long.”
Another person added: “Wonderful idea, so long as they don’t charge a fortune…”
It comes as M&S has launched a “gorgeous” kids collection, which includes sleepsuits, socks and even a replica of Paddington’s famous blue coat.
The high street retailer has also confirmed the exact date a “wonderful” branch will close, as shoppers say it will “leave a void.”
Meanwhile, a total of ten stores are set to close in the coming weeks, in a fresh blow to the UK high street.
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
