50p Uniform Shop returns to Merseyway this summer

Merseyway Shopping Centre is calling on residents to donate again, as its popular pop-up school uniform shop gets ready to reopen for summer 2025.

Hundreds of Stockport children returned to school in smart, good-quality uniforms last summer, with some families paying as little as 50p per item.

Until Monday, 4th August, a donation bin will be available outside Specsavers in the undercover mall, where families can drop off clean and gently-used school uniform items, ready to be resold at affordable prices.

The pop-up shop will be in Pop Up Stockport from Saturday 9th – Friday 15th August, offering all items for just 50p a piece, making it easier for local families to kit out their children ahead of the new school year without breaking the bank.

Last year’s sale saw more than 6,000 pre-loved items sold in total. In just one week, more than 800 families received support through the shop. On the first day alone, £400 was raised through the sale of the items, each priced at just 50p. Overall, the initiative generated £1,200 for charities including Chelwood Foodbank and Stockport arts and mental health charity, Arc.

Parents praised the scheme, calling it a ‘life saver’ and expressing gratitude for being able to afford essentials and even gifts for their children.

With the cost of school uniforms averaging £250 to £422 per child, according to government and Children’s Society data, this service provides vital relief to families facing financial strain. The Pop-Up Uniform Shop has raised thousands for local charities over the last three years, whilst becoming a firm favourite with Stockport families by keeping useable school wear out of landfill.

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway said:

“We’re proud to be hosting this initiative for a fourth year in Merseyway. It’s a simple way for the community to come together and make a difference, whether that’s by donating items they no longer need, picking up affordable school essentials, or helping to reduce clothing waste in Stockport.

“We’re accepting a wide range of items, including shirts, polo shirts, trousers, skirts, dresses, pinafores, jumpers, cardigans, blazers, PE kits, shoes and school bags – so if your child has grown out of any of these items and they remain in good condition, please pop along to the centre and donate them so they can be used by another local child in the new school year.”

The scheme accepts items that are suitable for Stockport-based schools, however, families with children outside of Stockport will find a variety of suitable items too. All donations must be clean and in wearable condition. Damaged or dirty items will not be accepted.

Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said:

“Merseyway’s pop up uniform shop shows the very best of Stockport – practical, generous, community-driven. It’s about giving every child the dignity of smart uniform, while easing the pressure on families and helping the environment too. We’ve been blown away by the support and hope even more people get involved this year.”

Cllr Mark Robers, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“These brilliant schemes show how well we look after each other here in Stockport. At a time when every penny counts, the Merseyway Pop Up Shop and the Reloved Stockport scheme gives real help to families while cutting waste and making reuse the norm. It’s good for people, good for community, and good for the planet – exactly the kind of practical action that shows Stockport at its best.”