Award-winning Empty Shop returns to Manchester Arndale to raise money for local charities

Acclaimed charity fashion initiative The Empty Shop is returning to Manchester Andale again this month asking good-hearted shoppers to donate their preloved clothing in aid of local good causes.

The clothes will be sold to raise funds for two Manchester-based charities – Mustard Tree, which works to help the city’s homeless and deprived, and Goodstock by vInspired, which aims to encourage the youth of tomorrow to volunteer their time to those less fortunate.

Members of the public, local businesses and retailers will be able to drop off their quality pre-loved and unworn garments at specially designed empty wardrobes located in 12 retailers, including Next, Luke, Simply Be, Dorothy Perkins and Burton.

This year, The Empty Shop has teamed up with Musicians Against Homelessness to help spread the word.

“With many wardrobes fit to burst following the Christmas and Boxing Day sales, it’s a great time of year to think about those that are less fortunate,” said Rowetta, the project’s official celebrity ambassador this year.

“Mancunians are renowned for pulling together as a community to help each other and I’m really pleased to be involved in The Empty Shop.  Together with Musicians Against Homelessness, I hope that we can help to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Mustard Tree and Goodstock by vInspired.”

Rowetta will be joined by local fashion bloggers and stylists in Exchange Court on Thursday 19 January to launch the 2017 campaign.

More than 23,325 items of clothing and an astounding 6.18 tonnes have been donated over the last three years, including over £100,000 worth of brand new items from N Brown Group PLC, AKA clothing, Bestseller, boohoo, SimonandSimon and luxury boutique Black White Denim.

The project has received numerous industry accolades, including the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) Community Foundation Award, as well as being nominated for the prestigious Albert Sussman International Community support award, the industry’s highest honour.

Manchester Arndale director David Allinson said; “The international recognition The Empty Shop has received in previous years is a testament to the people of Manchester and their generosity.  Because of that ongoing support, it’s fantastic that in 2017 we’re able to support not just one but two Manchester-based charities.’’

The Empty Shop donation points will take preloved clothing donations from Friday 20 January until Sunday 29 January 2017.

For more information www.manchesterarndale.com