The Leeds School Uniform Exchange has officially opened the doors to its expanded summer pop-up shop at the Merrion Centre.
Organisers say they have been overwhelmed by the response so far from families across the City.
Thousands of free uniform items are already helping families, with extra donations and stock arriving daily to meet unprecedented demand.
Following its launch last week, hundreds of families have already visited the larger City Centre location to collect free, good-quality pre-loved school uniforms ahead of the new school year, with demand exceeding expectations.
Thanks to the incredible support of local schools, businesses and residents, fresh donations and additional stock are now arriving regularly to ensure the shelves remain well-stocked throughout the summer holiday opening period.
Run by Leeds charity Wear and Share Leeds, the initiative provides families with free school uniforms without the need for referrals, while promoting sustainability by giving quality clothing a second life.
Debbie Binnersley, co-manager of Leeds School Uniform Exchange: “Seeing families leave with bags full of uniform and smiles on their faces makes all the hard work worthwhile. Every donation really does make a difference, and because demand has been so high we’re encouraging anyone with good-quality uniform they no longer need to drop it off at the pop-up so we can continue helping families throughout the summer.”
The expanded pop-up, hosted by the Merrion Centre, is significantly larger than last year’s successful initiative and has increased capacity to accommodate more visitors, more stock and additional opening dates throughout the school holidays.
Families can browse a wide selection of items, including shirts, polo shirts, trousers, skirts, blazers, jumpers, PE kits, shoes and accessories, all available free of charge and organised by size and school wherever possible.
With the Department for Education estimating the average cost of school uniform and PE kit at £442 for secondary school pupils and £343 for primary school pupils, the initiative is providing welcome financial relief for families, while preventing thousands of items of clothing from going to waste.
Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, Head of ESG at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre: “It’s been fantastic to see such a positive response since the pop-up opened. The level of demand highlights just how valuable this initiative is for families across Leeds, and we’re delighted the larger space has enabled even more people to benefit.
We’re equally encouraged by the continued generosity of the community, with new donations arriving to help keep the shelves stocked and support families right through to the start of the new school term.”
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up is located on the upper balcony level of the Merrion Centre and remains open on selected dates until 29 August, from 10am to 3pm.
Families are welcome to drop in and take what they need, while donations of clean, good-quality school uniform can also be made during opening hours. For a full list of opening dates and times visit www.merrioncentre.co.uk.
