Wrexham Clothing Exchange is a volunteer-run monthly clothes swap that takes place at Lle Hapus, Eagles Meadow.
Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that aren’t getting worn or don’t fit right? You could bring them along and swap them for something different!
Here’s how it works:
- £3 entry
- Bring along up to 15 items of clothing (this can be women’s or men’s, shoes and accessories)
- Your clothes will be quality checked by volunteers at check-in (items that are stained/damaged won’t be accepted)
- You get given a membership card which notes how much ‘credit’ you have (one item = one credit)
- You can then browse the rails, if you find any items you like you take them to check-out and your card will be updated
- Any credit you have left will carry over each swap
The entry fee applies for each monthly swap, but once you’ve paid on the day you can pop back in any time during open hours to see new items that other swappers have brought in.
Sharon Rogers, lead organiser, said: “Expect to be surprised. Our swappers love coming to our events as you never know what you will find on the rails – we see designer, high street and handmade pieces come in”.
What are the environmental benefits?
Every new item of clothing takes energy (e.g. using carbon sources to power machinery) and resources to make.
Did you know there are impacts related to the types of materials used too? Clothing made from plastic fibres, such as polyester, won’t biodegrade if thrown away. Even cotton, which is a natural fibre, usually uses lots of water to produce.
So, the more people that avoid buying new items when they are looking to switch up their wardrobe, the lower the impact on the environment.
And, as always, buying in person means that you can check the item fits/suits you first too – avoiding the emissions involved in deliveries and returns that come with online shopping.
What are the cost saving benefits?
The clothing exchange can also help you save money – something we’re all keen to do during the current cost of living crisis.
So, instead of splashing out on an expensive new wardrobe upgrade, you can swap those items you no longer need for something new-to-you. And remember, you can bring up to 15 items each time!
Councillor David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cost of Living Working Group, said: “the clothing exchange is a fantastic initiative to save money with environmental benefits”.
The most sustainable items of clothing to have are the ones already in your wardrobe that you wear again and again. But, if you want to try a new style, or get an item for an event/occasion that you’re unlikely to wear again, then buying second hand is a great option.
When is the next event?
The next swap is taking place on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 11am to 2:30pm at Lle Hapus (next to the playground on Eagles Meadow).
You can also check out the Wrexham Clothing Exchange Facebook page for updates, including future dates.
The Festive Fun Day and Christmas Lights Switch On is also taking place in the city centre on November 18, so why not make a day of it and check out all of these events?
