The Zip Yard Highlights Growing Consumer Trend of Repairing and Altering Clothing on BBC’s The One Show

The Zip Yard, the UK’s largest clothing alterations and repair business, showcased the rising trend among consumers to repair and alter their garments on BBC’s The One Show. Citing the cost-of-living crisis and awareness of environmental impact as two main motivators.

Research shows that clothing has the fourth largest impact on the environment after housing, transport and food and results in almost £140 million worth of clothes being thrown away each year – mostly to landfill. The average item of clothing is only worn 10 times before being discarded. Raw material demand is expected to triple from current levels by 2050.

“Wearing something for an extra nine months can reduce its carbon footprint by 20-30%,” said Neluka Dunning, owner of The Zip Yard UK franchise. The latest coverage from the BBC highlighted the increase in consumer awareness regarding the benefits of extending the life of their clothing, both in light of the cost-of-living crisis and for sustainability reasons.

With over 50 stores across the UK and Ireland, The Zip Yard has seen double-digit growth ranging from 10% to 20% in existing stores over the past three years. This consistent rise in customers demonstrates the growing interest in garment alterations and repairs, largely driven by the cost-of-living crisis and heightened sustainability concerns.

During her appearance on The One Show, Neluka Dunning emphasised the evolving attitudes of consumers and added today:

“The fashion forecast in general feels much more conscious and resourceful at the moment. There are lots of narratives at play prompting consumers to think more critically about their purchases and environmental impact.”

Dunning pointed out that this shift in mindset is attracting younger generations alongside traditionally older customers to utilise The Zip Yard’s services:

“When it comes to understanding the motivation for repairing and altering garments, we’re at the coalface,” she noted. “The cost-of-living crisis, a growing awareness about the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry and even the wave of ‘deinfluencing’ on TikTok is certainly on people’s minds. Often it’s as simple as people bringing us their favourite pieces because they love them and want to extend their life or alter them for a perfect fit.”

Recent reports show that an estimated 300,000 tonnes of clothing end up in UK landfills annually, underscoring the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. Fast fashion’s quick turnover exacerbates this issue, with the average Briton discarding clothing after just five wears. The Zip Yard aims to counteract this trend by encouraging consumers to invest in garment repairs and alterations, thereby reducing waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion.

“We pride ourselves on providing the most excellent customer service and incredibly high standard repairs and alterations. Customers really trust us with their high value items.” Said Ms Dunning. “There’s a feel-good factor to having your clothes repaired and altered, and the best part of our job is seeing how happy customers are with their items, not only looking great but knowing they’ve helped lessen landfill in the process. We’re on the lookout for franchise owners and are determined that there will be a Zip Yard in every major city across the UK so more people can have easy access to our services.”