Pop-Up Uniform Shop breaks records at Merseyway

A pop-up school uniform shop in Stockport’s Merseyway Shopping Centre has sold over 3,000 pre-loved uniform items ahead of the new academic year.

Hundreds of Stockport families came together to donate and shop thousands of secondhand school uniform items ready for the new school year this September. Items were sold for just 50p a piece to help ease the pressure of rising living costs while offering sustainable shopping options.

Raising an impressive £1,270, all funds have been put back into the community and donated equally to local food over bank, Chelwood Foodbank Plus, and local arts organisation, Stockport ARC Centre, both providing vital support to local families across the borough.

From organising donations, visual merchandising and running the shop during its opening week, the project saw 100 hours of volunteer time from Merseyway staff, CBRE and Vernon Building Society, while Merseyway has also reported a 7% uplift in footfall compared with the same week in 2024.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education at Stockport Council, said:

“Merseyway’s Pop-Up Uniform Shop has been so much more than a place to pick up affordable school clothes – it’s a lifeline for families across Stockport. This scheme ensures that every child can start the school year with confidence, dressed in good-quality uniforms, while also easing the financial pressures many parents face.

“The funds raised, and hours volunteered show the incredible commitment of our community, and the support for local charities makes a real difference to families who need it most. It’s inspiring to see Stockport come together, showing compassion and care for our children and their future.”

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway said:

“We’re absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s Uniform Shop. It’s been amazing to see the generosity of local families, from those who donated to those who shopped with us to support local charities. A special thank you also goes to those who responded so quickly to each of our social media appeals for specific uniform items – it really highlighted just how community-focused our town is. To see over 3,000 items sold in just one week is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the spirit of Stockport.”

Each year, the shop ensures parents can kit out their children ahead of the new school year with affordable, good-quality items. Items donated ranged from shirts, polo tops, trousers, skirts, jumpers, cardigans, PE kits and dresses, to pinafores, blazers, shoes and school bags.