Charity Supermarket has opened in Brighton, and it looks as though it is here to stay. The ‘first of its kind’ charity pop-up will remain in Brighton until the 30th of September, with the possibility of extending its stay even further. Written By Lily Tucker
This innovative initiative focuses on integrating reusable and second-hand clothing into fast fashion spaces and has taken over the old Lakeland shop front on the ground floor of Churchill Square.
It has earned the title of the world’s first ‘multi-store charity supermarket’, pioneering a new way of thinking about retail and charity by combining the appeal of fast fashion with the principles of sustainability and charity. With Brighton’s growing reputation for vintage and environmental stores, particularly within the Laines, the company stated that they have always been looking to open a store in this city.
According to their website, CSMs’ appearance in Brighton is due to popular demand, as it was ‘much requested by the public since [their] doors opened in January 2023. The concept not only offers an opportunity for customers to purchase fashionable items at affordable prices but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle by encouraging the reuse of clothing and reducing waste, which aligns perfectly with Brighton’s eco-conscious community.
The Charity Supermarket is not just a retail space; it is a collaborative effort hosting a range of charities. The Brighton outlet features Emmaus, a charity that works to provide housing for the homeless; Havens Hospice, which offers specialist care for people living with incurable conditions; Shelter, an organisation tackling Britain’s housing emergency; and Traid, which fights global poverty through reusable fashion. Just one shop provides support for and brings attention to four different local charities.
The shop itself has proved a popular addition to Churchill Square’s retail offerings. On its opening night, the Charity Supermarket sold 339 items, raising nearly £4,000 for the separate associated charities. This achievement not only benefits the local community financially but also has significant environmental impacts. The sale of 339 items translates to 97 kilograms of textile waste diverted from landfills. By prioritising recycled items, the shop generates funds for local charities but and provides the centre’s patrons with sustainable and environmental clothing options. Given the store’s popularity, it is unsurprising to hear the news that it will remain in the city for a little while longer.
The pop-up is the brainchild of Maria Chenoweth and Wayne Hemingway. Maria is the CEO of Traid, a company with its roots in Brighton. Wayne is known for his influential role in British retail, co-owning the brands Red or Dead and Hemingway Design.
Charity Supermarket has also garnered significant attention online, as the BBC’s third most-read article when the company went live. It is alread beocomg quite popular on social media, with 15,000 followers on Instagram. In addition it also wont The Revo’s 2023 ‘Best Pop-Up’ award, a testament to its innovative approach and the public’s growing support for sustainability in retail. The Supermarket has hosted successful pop-ups in various locations across the Uk, currently selling in other cities such as London, Bristol, Reading, Oxford and Glasgow, with Brighton as its latest venture.