M&S has joined forces with Oxfam and eBay to launch a new pre-loved school uniform swap scheme at hundreds of its stores across the UK.
In what is a first-time collaboration between the national retailer, global welfare charity, and online secondhand marketplace, M&S’s long-standing and hugely-successful ‘Shwopping’ scheme has now been extended with the introduction of more than 200 dedicated school uniform Shwop boxes inside stores nationwide.
Shoppers can donate their pre-loved school uniform to M&S’s ‘Back-to-School Shwopping Boxes’, and receive vouchers for up to 20% off selected items in the retailer’s kidswear section.
All pre-loved school uniform pieces donated to the new M&S boxes will first be inspected to see if they pass the hand-me-down quality test, and once they do, will then be given a second life in an Oxfam shop somewhere in the UK.
Also for the first time, the pieces will even be made available on a dedicated pre-loved school uniform shop on eBay too.
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M&S launches new pre-loved school uniform swap scheme at hundreds UK stores / Credit: M&S
By partnering with eBay, M&S and Oxfam say they hope the new scheme – which has been launched as a pilot, with the hopes of a full nationwide rollout in due course – will mean that even more families can access affordable and great quality school uniform “no matter where they live or how they choose to shop”.
And if all of that wasn’t important enough as it is, M&S says that every school uniform sale, whether it be through Oxfam’s shops or via eBay, will also raise funds to support the vital work that Oxfam does to tackle poverty and inequality all around the world.
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Any school uniform that can’t be resold in Oxfam shops or on eBay will be recycled or reused wherever possible, M&S has confirmed.
The retailer has joined forces with Oxfam and eBay for the new scheme / Credit: M&S
M&S’s Kidswear Director Alexandra Dimitriu said the new ‘Back-to-School Shwopping Boxes’ are just one of the many ways the retailer is “trying to make our best-in-class school uniform accessible to all families, however and whenever they choose to shop.”
Lorna Fallon, who is Oxfam’s Retail Director, added that the new scheme is “a win-win initiative”, as it not only helps parents who may be struggling with the cost of kitting their children out for school, but it’s also a simple way for shoppers to “make a huge difference” to the environment as it gives garments a longer lifecycle, and raises funds for Oxfam’s lifesaving work along the way.
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eBay’s Head of Pre-Loved Fashion, Lucy Peacock, says the cost of living crisis has created “greater education poverty” and “an ever-increasing need for school uniforms”, which is why the marketplace is “proud” to be able to help pilot the new scheme.
Keep your eye out for M&S’s new ‘Back-to-School Shwopping Boxes’ at stores across Greater Manchester and the UK.
Featured Image – M&S
Shopping
Poundland relaunches its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day
Emily Sergeant
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Poundland has hatched a plan to help those on a budget this year.
You can propose to your other half at any time of the year, but it’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day is a date much more popular than others – especially for those who want to surprise their partner with a gift they’ll never forget for the special occasion.
But with the cost of living crisis sadly still making its impact felt across the UK, a costly engagement ring is not something everyone is able to afford.
Luckily, for anyone keen to make the grand romantic gesture but while saving a few pennies at the same time, Poundland has decided to bring back its £1 engagement rings ahead of the season of love, so you’ll have plenty of time to get planning how you’ll pop that all-important question.
The budget retailer first launched its affordable engagement rings back in 2020, and they proved massively popular.
Poundland has brought back its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day / Credit: Poundland
At just £1 each, Poundland says these symbolic rings – which are available in more than 10 different designs – are a “thoughtful” way to showcase your love for Valentine’s Day and beyond, and can help make the occasion “unforgettable”, all without breaking the bank and keeping your budget intact.
From timeless solitaire designs, to romantic heart-shaped details, each ring in the 2025 range is “uniquely crafted to add a touch of charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day proposal”, according to the retailer, so whether your partner adores classic simplicity or something with a playful edge, there’s supposedly a ring to match every style.
And the best part? Each £1 ring comes beautifully presented in a red velvet heart-shaped box, so your proposal can “feel as special as the love you’re celebrating”.
Poundland’s £1 engagement rings are now available both online and in stores nationwide, and you can view the full range here.
Featured Image – Poundland
Shopping
LEGO-loving little Mancs can now compete against the world to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now enter a worldwide competition and battle it out to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Is your child a LEGO super fan? Do they reckon they could build impressive LEGO creations in their sleep? Well, if they’re feeling brave enough and are ready to put their skills to the test, then you’ll want to take them down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, as the hunt is one for a talented youngster to be crowned the UK’s newest ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Young LEGO fans will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild in a “bricktastic” competition, by building the most epic creation entirely out of LEGO bricks in an attempt to take home the coveted title.
Participants are invited to “demonstrate their imagination and creativity” by constructing something extraordinary that will leave the judges in awe – with the judges particularly interested in an array of building techniques and a strong creative flare, so entrants should “think outside the box” and let their personality and interests shine through.
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now compete to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’ / Credit: Supplied
Finalists will be chosen by the LEGOLAND Master Model Builders and Playmakers.
Each Discovery Centre in Manchester and Birmingham will then crown its own ‘Mini Master Model Builder’, and the winners will work with the local Master Model Builder to create their final models, which will then compete in the global final.
Winners will be given the unique opportunity of having their creation displayed at the iconic LEGO House in Denmark, plus a prize of £100 to spend in the LEGOLAND store, and a Local Annual Pass for them and their family too.
Up to the challenge then? All hopeful Mini Master Model Builders will need to get themselves down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester at Trafford Palazzo – which is next to the Trafford Centre – any weekend up until the start of February.
Entry into the competition is included in the price of one standard admission ticket to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester.
All entries must be made by those under the age of 18, and only one entry per person can be made.
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2023 
