The Street Store, the world's first rent-free, premises-free, free pop-up store for those in need, is back, with two concurrent Street Stores happening on Saturday, 6 December from 09:00 to 11:00, at the Haven Night Shelter, Green Point in Cape Town and the Salvation Army, Braamfontein in Johannesburg, says the Up&Up Group.

The two latest Street Stores build 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 to, "walk a mile in your gently worn shoes", adds the group.  

The Street Store encourages people to partake in the circular economy through the transformative power of fashion and giving. The latest two Street Stores come at a time when the fashion industry's own carbon footprint is increasingly under the spotlight. In 2024 alone, the industry was responsible for 1.2-billion tonnes of greenhouse gasses, and this number is expected to rise 50% by 2030, says the group.

The Up&Up Group's Chairman and Patron of the Street Store, Mike Abel says, "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 two Street Stores coincides with the build-up towards what would be considered a festive season for those who have the means to take holidays, and comes just a month before children need to start the 2026 school year. The typical back-to-school season advertises specials on school clothes but for many, purchases are a luxury too far, adding additional importance to these two Street Stores, says the group.

"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 are afforded the dignity of choosing their own clothes, celebrates the best in humanity," says Deborah Whitlock, Street Store Spokesperson and Marketing Director at The Up&Up Group.

Whitlock says 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 Cape Town and Johannesburg to look through their cupboards with the spirit of mindful giving and partaking in the circular economy."

Drop-Off Point Details

There will be drop-off points at The Up&Up Group offices. These can be found at Media Quarter, fifth floor, corner Somerset and De Smit Street, De Waterkant in Cape Town; and at number 9, eighth Street, Houghton in Johannesburg, adds the group.

Donations can also be sent to the organising team using PUDO lockers using the following details; The Street Store, hello@thestreetstore.org, 062 001 8464 with pick-up points at Engen Iris Motors for Johannesburg and Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum for Cape Town, says the group.

All donations need to be made by Friday, 5 December. All clothing items are welcome however the most needed items are men's clothes and shoes (especially smaller sizes); trousers; shirts; children's clothes (general clothing, grey school trousers, white shirts, socks, black school shoes), concludes the group.

For more information, visit www.thestreetstore.org. You can also follow The Street Store on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor