Award-winning Empty Shop returns to Sandton City.
SANDTON – All are invited to contribute pre-loved clothing, which is then transformed daily on mannequins with show-stopping looks.
The award-winning Empty Shop – which returns to Sandton City for a third year, from 29 October to 20 November – is a novel way to support charities in need as we head towards the festive season.
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The concept is simple – donate, style and empty. From the general public to fashion bloggers, stylists and celebrities, everyone is invited to contribute pre-loved clothing, which is then transformed and displayed daily, on mannequins with show-stopping results. The only prerequisite is that clothing should be clean and in a wearable condition. Every evening the store will be emptied and ready to receive new donations the next day.
Taking place in the Checkers Court, The Empty Shop gives shoppers the opportunity to donate clothing, as well as accessories, children’s books, games and toys, in good condition to a worthy cause.
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In previous years, local celebrities such as Rolene Strauss, Jen Su, Maps Maponyane, Azania Mosaka, Anele Mdoda, Lucas Radebe, Thando and Vanya Mangaliso and Jason Greer have all heeded the call to donate.
The Empty Shop in Sandton City, a partnership with McCann Johannesburg, has collected 8.3 tons of clothing to date and, in 2014 set a world record (three tons) for the most clothing donated. Last year, more than five tons of clothing donations were received, setting a new world record.
In addition to setting records, The Empty Shop has also been winning awards. Last month Sandton City won the coveted Spectrum Award for The Empty Shop at the South African Council of Shopping Centres Footprint Marketing Awards.
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Julie Hillary, general manager, Sandton region of JHI Retail, said the response from the public over the last two years has been outstanding. “We are delighted to host The Empty Shop once again and invite our shoppers to donate as many clothes, accessories, children’s books, games and toys as possible,” said Hillary.
All proceeds will be donated to Hospice Wits, which provides quality palliative care and support to communities throughout Johannesburg and Soweto. Through Hospice Wits, patients are assured of the best quality of life, dignity and strength through programmes of home-based palliative care and two in-patient units.
“By partnering with initiatives such as The Empty Shop, HospiceWits is able to generate funds through the sales of donated items in our charity stores. Every item donated ensures that we never have to turn a patient away for financial reasons,” said Joy Ruwodo, marketing and fundraising manager, Hospice Wits.
The Empty Shop will be open during Sandton City’s trading hours from 29 October, Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm and on Sundays from 9am to 6pm.
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