New swap society aims to make pre-loved 'trendy'

The first event is due to take place at a coffee shop, with further events at other independent venues

Two friends have set up a swap society which aims to make shopping for pre-loved clothes more attractive to consumers.

Meagan Powell and Gracie May, from Melksham, only met earlier this year but have decided to revitalise their local pre-loved offering by holding swaps in independent venues, including coffee shops, florists and industrial warehouses.

They say their aim is to make pre-loved fashion "trendy" while supporting local businesses.

Their first event is taking place at Doubles coffee shop in Avonside on Saturday.

Ms Powell moved from South Africa to the UK with her husband five years ago with one travel bag each.

She described her interest in pre-loved clothing as partially due to the British weather and the need to socialise during the Covid pandemic.

"Arriving in wintery November, I needed to fill my wardrobe [with appropriate clothes] and that then quickly changed into an absolute love and passion for pre-loved [clothes]," she said.

"Charity shops became a place of socialising as we came out of the pandemic.

"At that time I was working from home, and for me it was a space to chat - and from that it's grown and grown and grown."

Friends Gracie May and Meagan Powell aim to revitalise the pre-loved shopping experience by making it a social activity

She added hosting the swaps in independent venues would support local businesses and create footfall in places that matter.

"Whether it's a florist studio, pizza place or pop-up at a local festival, the event always brings something fresh to the town," she said.

"We are proving that sustainable, slow fashion doesn't have to be boring – it can be edgy, on-trend and full of personality."

For Saturday's launch event, people are asked to take up to 20 pre-loved clothing items which can then be swapped while "sipping on coffee and enjoying homemade pizza".