Marks & Spencer (M&S) has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the launch of its new clothing repair service in partnership with SOJO. This service, part of the retailer’s ‘Plan A – Another Life’ initiative, aims to promote the circular economy by extending the lifespan of clothing items. Customers can now access a range of repair services, including zip replacements and knitwear mending, through M&S’s retail stores, website, and app.
The repair service, which was announced earlier, is now available to M&S customers across the UK. Prices for repairs start at £5 (US $6.56), making it an affordable option for those looking to prolong the life of their clothing items. Customers can use a dedicated online hub to book repair services, with items sent to SOJO’s in-house team for repair and returned within seven to 10 days.
This partnership is supported by M&S’s £1 million Plan A Accelerator Fund, which aims to drive innovative projects that promote sustainability. The Plan A – Another Life platform also includes other initiatives such as the Beauty Takeback Scheme with Handle and a clothes donation program with Oxfam. By offering repair services, M&S is furthering its commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.
In addition to the repair service, M&S is providing customers with resources to help them care for their clothing items. The retailer’s technical experts have created 60-second instructional videos on topics such as de-bobbling knitwear and adjusting hemlines, making it easier for customers to maintain and repair their clothes at home.
Richard Price, M&S’s Managing Director of Clothing and Home, emphasized the importance of the repair service in a statement, stating, “Through the launch of our repair service, we’re making it even easier for customers to give their clothes another life.” This initiative aligns with M&S’s broader sustainability goals and commitment to reducing waste in the fashion industry.
SOJO’s founder and CEO, Josephine Philips, also highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as a step forward for the circular fashion industry. By mainstreaming clothing repairs and encouraging customers to extend the life of their clothing items, M&S and SOJO are contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fashion.
Overall, M&S’s new clothing repair service in partnership with SOJO represents a positive step towards sustainability in the fashion industry. By offering affordable repair services, providing resources for customers to care for their clothing items, and promoting the circular economy, M&S is setting an example for other retailers to follow. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also empowers customers to make more conscious choices when it comes to their fashion consumption.