The UK's first-ever multi-charity shop has opened its first Kent branch at Bluewater.

Today the Charity Super.Mkt, known as the department store for second-hand style, has opened its doors to shoppers at the Greenhithe shopping centre.

Launched earlier this year by Maria Chenoweth and Wayne Hemingway the business has sold more than 100,000 pre-loved items that may have otherwise gone to landfill all while supporting 10 UK-based charities.

Bluewater is joining Edinburgh and Bristol as a new home for the brand's stores, which previously opened successful pop-ups in London, Glasgow and Reading.

James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater, said: “We know that pre-loved fashion is something our guests are asking for more and more – we hosted our first second-hand clothing pop-up this summer so to be able to open a charity-focused store on a much bigger scale, really is great news.

“The trend for pre-loved fashion is growing year-on-year and we’re committed to evolving our offer, so we stay relevant for our guests.

“This is a huge win-win for Bluewater guests as we welcome a fantastic brand, selling stylish, hand-picked garments whilst benefitting a range of UK charities.

“Charity Super.Mkt is a proven concept which has been exciting shoppers across the UK and their ethos aligns with our continued commitment to becoming a more sustainable retail destination, so we’re delighted to welcome them here as they embark on a national expansion programme.”

A spokesman for Bluewater explained that the Charity Super.Mkt’s opening will create a unique retail experience for guests looking for quality, affordable products.

Wayne Hemingway, Charity Super.Mkt co-founder, said: “It is a mere seven months since we started on this journey to attempt to demonstrate that charity secondhand fashion could and should be part of a modern retail mix in the busiest of shopping centres. Charity Super.Mkt is proving that and more.

“Not only is the concept exciting customers, allowing them to do their bit for society, the environment and their own pockets, it is creating uplifts in footfall and most importantly providing much needed income for charities.”

TRAID CEO and co-founder Maria Chenoweth, added: “My career and ambition has always been to promote second-hand fashion as the most impactful way to dress ourselves.

“The creation of Charity Super.Mkt has brought charity retailers into mainstream retail, gaining locations that would have otherwise been inaccessible.

“Charity Super.Mkt gives charities the opportunity to raise more funds, and that means more nursing time in hospices, more support for animals, more research into cancer and in TRAID’s case, more support for the people who make our clothes. We’re really excited to be taking for the first time Charity Super.Mkt and charity retail into Bluewater the UK’s second largest shopping centre.”

Data from the Charity Retail Association showed that second-hand shopping is booming in 2023 with sales increasing 15 per cent year-on-year between January and March.

Charity Super.Mkt, which supports Age UK, Cancer Research UK, Deaf Blind UK, Demleza, ellenor, Havens Hospice, Marie Curie, Pilgrims Hospices, Shelter and TRAID is located in the Lower Rose Gallery.

One of the charities, Demelza, will be in prime position at the front of the store.

The charity, which is based in Sittingbourne, delivers clinical care and emotional support to children facing serious or life-limiting conditions throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Ashley Henson, director of retail at Demelza said: “We are excited and delighted to be a part of the very first Charity Super.Mkt at Bluewater.

“This fantastic complex is pivotal to raising awareness of the services we provide to children with serious or life-limiting conditions in the local area, as well as generating vital funding for Demelza.

“We are really passionate about charity retail and offering pre-loved fashion, while supporting the environment and greener retail. This is a fabulous opportunity for the team at Demelza to showcase to Bluewater shoppers the seasonal offer we have available.”

ellenor hospice in Northfleet also shared the news online.

A post online said: “We're thrilled about our upcoming participation in the UK's first-ever multi-story charity shop at Bluewater.

“By shopping at our pop-up, you'll not only find fantastic treasures but also be making a difference in the lives of those we care for.”