The Street Store, the world’s first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up store for people in need, is back.

Two street stores will take place at the same time on the morning of April 12 from 9:00 to 11:00.

One at the Haven Night Shelter in Green Point, Cape Town, and the other at the Salvation Army in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

These two Street Stores follow more than 1100 stores held around the world since the project started 11 years ago. They are made possible through a partnership between The Up&Up Group and Old Khaki. The “Last season is so this season” campaign encourages people to think differently about clothing, and to join the circular economy by using the power of fashion and giving.

As part of the campaign, Old Khaki set up special Street Store clothing rails in their stores, asking customers to donate their second-hand clothes at selected Old Khaki stores. These collection points were open until the end of March. Clothes can still be donated in April at The Up&Up Group’s campuses in Cape Town and Johannesburg until 11 April.

Old Khaki has also donated some of its own clothing stock to the Street Stores. A partnership with Unilever means that people who come to the Street Stores to choose clothes will also receive care packages with toiletries. The most important part of the Street Store experience is offering people choice and dignity.

The Street Stores come at a time when the fashion industry’s carbon footprint is under the spotlight. In 2024, the fashion industry was responsible for 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases, and this number is expected to grow by 50% by 2030. The “Last season is so this season” campaign wants people to rethink fashion. This idea matches The Street Store’s mission — to reduce waste, support circular economies, and encourage giving and sustainable fashion.

Nival Maharaj, Street Store spokesperson at The Up&Up Group, says running a Street Store shows how fashion can change lives. “The Street Store encourages us all to think about our own behaviour and how we can give back to society by taking part in the circular economy. Rather donate than add to the thousands of tons of clothes that end up in landfills. Think about this — a second-hand item that is now just lying at the back of a cupboard could be someone else’s outfit for a job interview or matric dance. The possibilities are endless.”

Odile Hufkie, Head of Marketing at Old Khaki, says: “It was important for us to work with a project that wants to make a real difference. It’s been great to see the store displays inspiring people to think more about their behaviour, the environment, and those in need. We’re excited for the two Street Stores in Braamfontein and Green Point, where last season’s clothes will help change lives this year.”

Find out how to help at https://www.oldkhaki.co.za/c/spotlight-unrestricted-journal-street-store
or thestreetstore.org