The Innovation Diaries

How does a fashion retail chain stand out in the busy high street? M&S has certainly caught my attention recently by their new social business plan; Plan A, a five-year, 100-point ‘eco’ plan to tackle climate change, reduce waste, safeguard natural resources, trade ethically and build a healthier nation.

One example currently underway is M&S working with Oxfam to encourage consumers to donate their unwanted clothes in a bid to reduce waste derived from the ‘fast fashion’ industry. According to the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; one million tonnes of discarded clothing finds its way into landfills each year in the UK alone. Hmm…something to think about that next time you head to Primark!

The M&S and Oxfam Exchange works by consumers donating their clothes to Oxfam and for every item of M&S clothing - will receive a voucher worth £5, valid for one month, to use with their next purchase of £35 or more on clothing, homeware or beauty products at M&S. This exchange is currently on trial for 6 months and there are 790 Oxfam stores participating across the UK and Republic of Ireland.