# Retailer Fashion Recycling Programs Marks & Spencer 'Clothes Exchange' Project By Katherinev123 | Published 2012-01-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marks-spencer-clothes-exchange References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2012/01/marks-amp-spencer-recycled-clothing.html) & [oxfam.org.uk](http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/content/secondhandstore/fashion/ms_clothes_exchange.html) For many people, old clothes typically get pushed to the back of the closet, never to see the light of day again, but the [Marks & Spencer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clothing-repair-service) 'Clothes Exchange' initiative is giving UK customers incentive to do some good with their old forgotten apparel. An initiative formed in collaboration with non-profit organization [Oxfam](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barbour-2), the Marks & Spencer Clothes Exchange program encourages shoppers to donate their old and unwanted Marks & Spencer clothes to get a £5 discount coupon in return. The coupon can be used when the customer spends at least £35 on their next shopping trip at M&S. The old clothing will be recycled, instead of being dumped into landfills. The campaign site claims that since the start of the campaign, more than 2,500 pieces of old Marks & Spencer clothes have been saved from this fate. What's more, customers can see the impact of their donations through the campaign's online app. For example, donating something that's worth £4 enables Oxfam to buy 26 bars of soap to give to people in need. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fashion Recycling:** Opportunity for retailers to implement clothing recycling programs to incentivize customers and reduce textile waste. - **Collaborative Initiatives:** Collaborations between retailers and non-profit organizations create win-win situations by promoting sustainability and social good. - **Transparency and Impact Measurement:** Customers increasingly value transparency and want to see the tangible impact of their donations or purchases. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Retailers can seize the opportunity to implement fashion recycling programs and strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives. - **Non-profit:** Collaboration with retailers through clothing exchange initiatives offers non-profit organizations an innovative way to raise funds and further their missions. - **Technology:** Developing online apps or platforms that allow customers to track the impact of their donations can enhance customer engagement and brand loyalty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Clothing Repair Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clothing-repair-service.md) - [In-Store Swap Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primark-swap-shop.md) - [Rewarding Recycling Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patagonia-2.md) - [Closet-Clearing Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/closet-clearout-challenge.md) - [Textile Recycling Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dunelm-and-the-salvation-army.md) - [Denim Take-Back Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-5.md) - [Pre-Loved Clothing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/preowned-platform.md) - [Social Good Clothing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zigzag-and-the-salvation-army.md) - [Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coach-and-poshmark.md)