The Street Store, the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up store for those in need, returns on December 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 at the Salvation Army in Braamfontein, running concurrently with another Street Store event.

The latest Street Stores in Johannesburg and Cape Town are built on a heritage of more than 1 100 stores globally since the initiative was founded 11 years ago. The Up&Up Group is calling on the public to give the clothes they no longer wear a second life and to help someone in need walk a mile in their gently worn shoes.

The Street Store encourages people to partake in the circular economy through the transformative power of fashion and giving.

The latest Street Stores come with the fashion industry’s carbon footprint increasingly under the spotlight. In 2024, the industry was responsible for 1,2 billion tons of greenhouse gases, which is expected to rise 50% by 2030.

The Up&Up Group chairperson and patron of the Street Store, Mike Abel, said: “While many people have never had more, others have never had less. As such, we are encouraging people to think differently about fashion. The Street Store’s mission is to address waste, promote circular economies, and foster a culture of mindful giving and sustainable fashion.”

The timing of the Street Stores coincides with the build-up to the festive season for those who can go on holiday, and comes just a month before children start the 2026 school year. The typical back-to-school season features specials on school clothes, but for many, such purchases remain a luxury, adding importance to these two Street Stores.

“A pair of lightly worn sneakers in the back of a cupboard could enable a child to partake in school sports, or a lightly worn suit could open up job interview opportunities for someone in need of employment. The concept of mindful giving, where the beneficiaries get the dignity of choosing their own clothes, celebrates the best in humanity,” said Street Store spokesperson and marketing director at The Up&Up Group, Deborah Whitlock.

She shared that the success of every Street Store depends on the generosity of the public.

“Every time we put out a call for donations, people come forward in their thousands to donate clothing and shoes. We once again ask the people of Johannesburg to look through their cupboards in the spirit of mindful giving and partake in the circular economy.”

Drop-off point details

There will be drop-off points at The Up&Up Group offices at 9, 8th Street, Houghton in Johannesburg.

Donations can also be sent to the organising team using PUDO lockers using the following details: The Street Store, [email protected], 0620018464. The pickup point is Engen Iris Motors for Johannesburg.

All donations must reach the organisers by December 5. While all clothing items are welcome, the most needed are men’s clothes and shoes (especially smaller sizes), trousers, shirts, and children’s clothes, including grey school trousers, white shirts, socks, and black school shoes.

For more information, visit www.thestreetstore.org