Primark stores to host free clothing repair workshops across UK to help tackle fast-fashion - list of stores

Chelsie Sewell
By Chelsie Sewell
Published 15th Mar 2023, 10:53 BST
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Primark stores across the UK are hosting free workshops to help customers wear their clothes for longer

Primark is launching free clothing-repair workshops in some of its UK stores in a bid to help ensure clothes can be worn and loved for longer. Primark aims to reduce the environmental impact of clothing by giving them a longer life and encouraging customers to wear their clothes for longer.

Following a successful pilot scheme, Primark is expanding its free repair workshop programme to more stores across the UK - led by designer and fashion lecturer Lorraine Mitchell and fashion stylist Janina Gruber. The hands-on sessions cover core basic repair skills – from sewing buttons, zips and mending tears, as well as lessons in customisation – which are increasingly important in a cost-of-living crisis.

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Lynne Walker, director of Primark Cares, said: “We believe passionately that more sustainable fashion should be affordable for all and whatever your budget you should be able to trust that the clothes you are buying meet a certain standard and can go the distance. This has never been more important for our customers.

“That’s why we want to see the introduction of a durability standard across the fashion industry, and we want to understand more about the behaviours and attitudes which impact how we all wear and care for our clothes. We know that many clothes that are discarded may still have plenty of wear left in them and that’s why we want to help people learn new repair skills to be able to sew, fix a button or even customise a piece of clothing and give it a new lease of life.”

Primark stores across the UK are hosting free workshops to help customers wear their clothes for longer Primark stores across the UK are hosting free workshops to help customers wear their clothes for longer
Primark stores across the UK are hosting free workshops to help customers wear their clothes for longer

As well as running in-store classes, Primark is launching an online hub featuring easy-to-follow repair videos for customers to access from home. The tutorials will be available across all its social channels.

Primark’s new programme will include classes across the UK, ROI and Northern Ireland including Edinburgh, Belfast, Liffey Valley and York, as well as an extensive programme of classes across Primark’s London stores during London Repair Week.

In the Primark Manchester Market Street store, in addition to repair workshops, there will be a dedicated space where free monthly workshops will be run in collaboration with community partners.

Primark clothing repair workshops - how to book

Primark is running a number of workshops in its London stores from March 20. Here’s a full list of classes taking place.

Primark Tooting - March 20 - Hand-Sewing Techniques - 10am - 11am