Primark Partners with The Seam for Same-Day Clothing Repairs in Manchester

Primark is significantly advancing its commitment to sustainability by launching a new partnership with The Seam, a dedicated care and repair firm. This collaboration introduces a convenient same-day clothes repair and alterations service directly within Primark's Manchester Market Street store, marking a tangible step in the retailer's ongoing efforts to promote product longevity and reduce textile waste.

This initiative seamlessly integrates with Primark's existing "Love It For Longer" program, which has already been empowering customers through various repair workshops and accessible online tutorials. These previous offerings focused on enabling customers to carry out simple clothing repairs at home, fostering a culture of care for garments. The new in-store service now provides an even more direct and professional solution for those seeking expert assistance.

The repair and alteration service is currently available every Friday at the Manchester Market Street store, with the program running until December 19th. Customers are encouraged to book an appointment online via Eventbrite to secure a slot, though Primark has also confirmed that walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability on the day. This flexible approach aims to make the service as accessible as possible for local shoppers.

Upon arrival for their appointment, customers will have the opportunity to meet directly with a skilled maker from The Seam. They can discuss their garment's specific needs, whether it's a minor repair or a simple alteration. Customers then have the choice to either wait for approximately 20-30 minutes while the service is performed or return later in the day to collect their freshly repaired item, ensuring a convenient experience.

To make this valuable service widely accessible, Primark has ensured that prices are highly affordable, starting from as little as £3 and ranging up to £10 for more complex yet simple services. Crucially, Primark is subsidising these costs, underscoring its dedication to removing financial barriers that often prevent consumers from repairing their clothes, thereby aligning with its sustainability goals.

The introduction of this service is backed by compelling data highlighting the need for more accessible repair options. Primark cites findings from the environmental charity WRAP, which reveal that a significant 42% of people admit to discarding clothes they would have preferred to keep, simply because they couldn’t find a viable way to get them repaired. Furthermore, cost remains a substantial factor, with 24% of individuals stating that the expense of repairs was a primary reason they opted not to mend their garments.

Vicki Swain, Primark's Product Longevity Lead, expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, "We want to make simple clothing repairs and alterations easier to access and more affordable for our customers and we’re excited to see what this partnership with The Seam will bring to local shoppers in Manchester." This sentiment reinforces Primark's strategic vision to integrate sustainability into its core customer offering, making it easier for consumers to extend the life of their fashion items.