A second-hand school uniform shop is hosting a series of pop-up events offering new and high-quality items for around the third of the typical cost of new uniforms.

The events from Smarter Uniforms come as Brighton and City Hove Council reported it had been inundated with families saying they needed more affordable uniform options.

The pop-ups are taking place at Dorothy Stringer High School, Lush Brighton, and Whitehawk Library on the following dates and times:

Dorothy Stringer High School, Loder Road

  • Open daily until August 30, 10am to 3:30pm.
  • The pop-up will not be open on bank holiday Monday.

Lush, East Street

  • August 27, 11am to 5pm
  • August 28, 11am to 4pm

Whitehawk Library in Whitehawk Road

  • September 1 to 3, 10am to 3:30pm.
  • On September 2, customers will need a library card to enter, but all customers are welcome on Thursday and Saturday.

Councillor Hannah Clare, chairwoman of the children, young people and skills committee, said: “Many local families have told us that they want affordable school uniforms before the new school year begins.

“So I’m really grateful to Smarter Uniforms for running these pop-ups.

“Pre-loved uniforms don’t just keep the costs down – it also helps reduce waste and keeps clothing in use for as long as possible. As someone who regularly buys her clothes second-hand, I know the impact doing so can have on addressing the climate crisis, helping to reduce harmful emissions from textiles production, and protect resources.”

Siobhan Wilson, founder of Smarter Uniforms, said: "Thanks to these important partnerships and a large team of fantastic summer interns, we are now in the position to reach out across the community to distribute as many low cost and free uniforms as we can at this challenging time for families.

“The savings associated with buying uniforms from us means that parents will have more money for other important staples such as shoes or blazers. We want to do our best to ensure dressing your children for school isn’t another strain on your pocket."

For more information, visit the Smarter Uniforms website.