M&S has launched a pioneering new clothing repair service across the UK in a bid to give garments “another life”.
After some new research carried out by the retailer found that only 10% of the population would consider themselves to be confident enough to repair clothing on their own, and 60% of consumers are also looking for retailers to offer more services that help them in to lower their carbon footprint, M&S has decided that now is a good time to kick-start a new sustainable initiative.
The company has partnered with clothing repair and alterations experts, SOJO, to launch the new ‘M&S fixed by SOJO’ hub.
Set to launch online nationwide in August, the new clothing repair service will support shoppers in giving their M&S clothes “another life”, all while reduce textile waste at the same time.
M&S is launching a pioneering new clothing repair service across the UK / Credit: Fujiphilm (via Unsplash) | Wallace Chuck (via Pexels)
Through a dedicated online hub, M&S customers will be able to select and book a range of bespoke repair services, with everything from zip replacements to invisible knitwear mending on offer, all through one simple form.
Repairs are expected to start from just £5, according to M&S.
And when it comes to timelines and turnarounds, M&S says that clothing can be sent, repaired by SOJOs in-house repair team, and then returned directly to the customer’s doorstep within seven to 10 days.
The partnership with SOJO will form a crucial part of M&S’s ‘Plan A – Another Life’ scheme – which also includes the retailer’s long-running clothes donation partnership with Oxfam, formerly known as ‘Shwopping’, and the Beauty Takeback Scheme with Handle.
M&S wants the ‘Plan A’ scheme, as a whole, to provide a more “seamless experience” for customers who are looking for ways to support a “shift” to a more “circular economy”.
As well as a range of services, the ‘Plan A – Another Life’ platform will also be home to a selection of 60-second ‘how to’ videos created by M&S’ team of in-house technical experts, covering everything from debobbling knitwear, to adjusting hemlines.
Leeds City Council have revealed the exciting new concept for Abbey House Museum.
Opened to the public almost 100 years ago in 1927, the historic Grade II listed museum originally served as Kirkstall Abbey’s gatehouse until the dissolution of the monasteries.
The plans for the site have been drawn up as part of a 'Reimagining Project' supported by Leeds City Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Museum Renewal Fund.
The concept aims to create a more interactive visitor experience as the museum goes into its centenary year, with a main focus on intergenerational play for people of all ages to enjoy together.
Image: Supplied
Leeds’ rich collections will be at the heart of the museum, whilst the proposals include enhancing the museum’s traditional streets to enhance and include magical reveals that will let the public experience history through hands on activities.
The proposals mark a new direction for Abbey House Museum, which was put forward for potential closure in 2024 as part of measures to help Leeds City Council address unprecedented budget pressures.
A public appeal saw the council listen to the community, agreeing to keep it open and pledge to make steps to make the museum more sustainable in the future.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Abbey House Museum and one which we hope will be the beginning of a bold new direction for a special place which has been part of the Kirkstall community for centuries.
“During the public consultation on the museum’s future, what really came across was the passion and determination people have to see the site succeed, and we want to channel that enthusiasm into creating an attraction which can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.”
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Clementine Hall
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2024 
