Revolve certified second-hand stores across Scotland are embracing technology to take their shops online, as they introduce new ways of working to support customers and deliver services that meet their additional needs.

The Revolve certification, awarded by Zero Waste Scotland, is a guarantee for pre-loved items and gives shoppers the confidence that they will have an experience that is comparable with shopping new.

Some shops within the Revolve network are beginning to reopen after being closed to the public in line with Scottish Government guidance, while others are still to open their doors. The lockdown has offered stores a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to help customers still find great bargains. Thanks to newly introduced click and collect services and online shops, customers waiting to return to physical stores can still get their second hand fix.

ApparelXchange and Merry-go-round, located in Glasgow, have launched a click and collect service, which gives customers the opportunity to shop a range of pre-loved children’s products and pick up safely while observing physical distancing.

Throughout the pandemic Merry-go-round has been running events online to help to support new parents and babies, along with families who might be experiencing isolation.

Izzie Eriksen, director, ApparelXchange, said:

“It’s great to be able to start fulfilling our online orders again. We have had to implement this new service to ensure we are meeting our customers’ new needs.

“We have set up a collection point in the Southside of Glasgow. This service is set to be extended to our St Enoch Centre location once we fully re-open.”

Remake Scotland based in Crieff prioritised launching a new website, developing an online shop and new click and collect service during lockdown.

Remake Scotland is a Revolve certified, community reuse charity and has been inundated with donations and felt it was extremely important that their users, members and community were able to access quality pre-loved goods during this time.

Other stores adapting to new ways of working to meet demand and sell their products are Glasgow Wood Recycling and Seamster Vintage, who have both enhanced their online services.

As well as selling their clothing online, Seamster Vintage based in Glasgow, has been producing face masks for keyworkers using some handy leftover material. These are donated to local carers, front line workers and distributed through the local Cosgrove's charity.

Miriam Adcock, consumer re-use spokesperson for Zero Waste Scotland, said:

“Coronavirus is creating new challenges and it’s great to see Revolve certified stores adapting and changing the way they operate to combat these challenges and navigate their way through these difficult times.

“Stores are embracing online shopping platforms and growing their digital presence whilst maintaining their brick and mortar stores, which will result in customers having multiple shopping options.”

As some stores across Scotland have reopened and others will begin to open in the coming weeks, Revolve is encouraging members of the public to call ahead to check in with their local shop for details on the type and volume of donations they can accept and when and if any new opening hours are in place.

For anyone wishing to find out more about Revolve, please visit the website for a list of stores and contact details: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/revolve