The Merrion Centre is celebrating the return of the Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop this summer with a significantly expanded presence to support families across the city ahead of the new school year. Following a highly successful run last year, this summer’s pop-up features a larger retail unit, increased stock, and at least fifteen event dates throughout the school holidays. Run by Leeds charity Wear and Share Leeds, the scheme provides pre-loved school uniforms entirely free of charge with no referral required, helping local families manage high household costs. Recent figures from the Department for Education highlight the vital nature of the project, showing that the average cost of a full school uniform and PE kit stands at £343 for primary pupils and £442 for secondary pupils.
Families visiting the pop-up can simply drop in, browse the rails, and take what they need, including shirts, trousers, skirts, blazers, jumpers, PE kits, and shoes. Tracy Morgan, co-manager of Leeds School Uniform Exchange, said: “Over the years, our community’s support has been incredible. By sharing pre-loved uniform, we’ve been able to help so many families and reduce textile waste at the same time. This year, with a bigger presence in the city centre, we hope to reach even more families.”
Donations of clean, good-quality school uniforms are also highly welcome and can be dropped off at the shop during active operating hours. Debbie Binnersley, co-manager of the exchange, commented: “The Leeds School Uniform Exchange has already made a real difference for thousands of families, saving them hundreds of thousands of pounds. Expanding the Merrion Centre pop-up means we can go even further this summer.”
Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, head of ESG at Town Centre Securities PLC, the owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Leeds School Uniform Exchange to the Merrion Centre for 2026, bigger and better than before. By increasing the size of the unit, extending the number of dates and growing the volume of stock available, we’re able to support even more families while continuing to champion sustainability, which is a key priority for us and our communities.”
The pop-up shop is situated on the upper balcony level of the Merrion Centre and will operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on selected dates between Wednesday 22nd July and Saturday 29th August. The full calendar of opening dates is available to view on the Merrion Centre’s website.
