The Empty Shop is a big hit

The Empty Shop which encourages customers to bring clothes to the shop, instead of throwing them away, has had over 3 000 items of clothing donated.

“In 2013 Brazil set the record of 3. 2 tons of clothing collected from the original Empty Shop in São Paulo,” said Julie Hillary, the general manager of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. “We appeal to the public to join us in this journey of generosity as we attempt to break this record and put our country on the map.”

The Empty Shop was launched at Sandton City on 29 October and since then clothing items from gently worn everyday clothing to designer pieces have been donated to the shop. Sandton City retailers who have come on board with clothing donations include Woolworths, Forever New, Mamas & Papas, Koco Bino, Jo Borkett, Stuttafords, Democratic Republic, Polo and Nicci Boutique.

Every evening, the store is emptied and becomes ready to receive new donations the next day. All contributions go to HospiceWits, Sandton City’s selected charity for this year.

“Many people affected by life-threatening illnesses are unable to afford to pay for quality palliative care and at the end of The Empty Shop campaign, the clothing collected will be sold through our HospiceWits charity shop in Orange Grove,” said Joy Ruwodo, HospiceWits’ marketing manager. “We encourage individuals, corporates and retailers alike to support this initiative and make a difference to people in need of our generosity.”

South Africans from all corners of the country are invited to take the lead and set into motion this empowering movement of change that brings fashion and charity together. The Empty Shop pleads with the public to encourage friends and family to take one small step towards a larger leap of making a positive imprint, by donating their pre-loved clothing.

Details: www.sandtoncity.com.