By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Marks & Spencer Introduces Clothing Repairs Service
Marks & Spencer is set to launch a new clothing repairs and alterations service. Starting in August, customers can book through a dedicated online platform, with repaired items returned within seven to ten days. The service will be operated by Sojo, a repairs start up, and M&S's in house team of tailors, with prices beginning at £5.
This initiative aims to promote sustainable shopping habits. Sojo, established in 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic, seeks to mainstream clothing repairs. M&S’s collaboration with Sojo is intended to help customers extend the lifespan of their clothing. Richard Price, Managing Director of Clothing & Home at M&S, stated that the new service, alongside their existing recycling program, facilitates easier clothing maintenance for customers.
Josephine Philips, founder and CEO of Sojo, highlighted the partnership as a significant step towards making clothes repairs more accessible. Retail expert Siobhan Gehin noted that by partnering with independent repair firms, large brands can offer convenient alteration services without developing their own infrastructure.
This trend of embracing sustainability is not unique to M&S. In January, Sojo opened a permanent location in Selfridges on London's Oxford Street. Japanese retailer Uniqlo offers repairs and embroidery services in six UK stores, and John Lewis includes fashion rental and recycling in its sustainability strategy. Primark and H&M provide online repair guides and have hosted repair workshops since 2022.
In France, a scheme introduced in 2023 encourages consumers to repair rather than discard clothes by offering discounts on repair costs. M&S research indicates only 10% of the UK population feels confident in performing their own clothing repairs. Retailers are also responding to regulatory pressures to adopt sustainable practices. The fashion industry faces increased scrutiny over its environmental impact, and brands like Asos, Boohoo, and George have committed to transparency regarding the environmental claims of their products.