All the deets about our next Swap Shop
Sooo so so many of you have been in touch via email, DM and comment to ask excitedly: “When’s the next Swap going to be!?” And who are we to stand in the way of your dreams? After three sell-out Swap Shops, it was a no-brainer to bring it back and host another one for Earth Day 2023.
We’ve absolutely loved seeing how well received the Swap Shops have been. In today’s climate I know we’re all looking to be more mindful about our consumption, sustainability and budget, and a swap-not-shop event perfectly ticks all those boxes. Not only can you feel good about clearing out your wardrobe, so you can go into the year as your most edited and wonderful self, but you still get that thrill of finding something “new” to wear. Less clothes are wasted, their lifespan is increased, and it’s a more affordable way of getting up to 10 fresh pieces in your wardrobe. What’s not to love?
To keep the event comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, we’ll be back hosting it in the beautiful newly renovated space above Westow House pub in Crystal Palace. It has windows across two sides and is bright and spacious, giving us ample room to lay out the clothes and accessories across tables and rails so there’s lots of room for you to rummage and try things on.
So if you’re looking for a clothes and accessories swap in London, then look no further! And if you’re not sure how they work? No problem! We’ve answered all your FAQs below including what you can bring, how the day will run and what you might expect to find there. Here’s everything you need to know about the Salad Days Swap Shop in Crystal Palace.
What can I bring to the Swap Shop?
How does the Swap Shop work?
First make sure you’ve got a ticket. You can get this via our Eventbrite.
9am - 11am: Bring with you a bag of up to 10 items you want to swap to Westow House. We will go through them to assess which we can accept to the Swap Shop, and agree a number of items with you! This number will be logged onto our spreadsheet. Unfortunately we cannot accept clothes after 11am. Please note, as the events can be busy, you may need to queue to drop your items off to us.
11am - 12pm: After you’ve dropped off your bag of items, you’re free to roam around Crystal Palace for a mooch! Head downstairs to have brunch in the pub and check out the local area. In this time we’ll organise everything in the room so it’s ready for you to browse. We’ll lay clothes out spaciously across tables and rails. There will be a full length mirror in the room.
12pm: Then return to the Westow House from 12pm. We admit people on a first-come-first-serve basis so if there’s something specific you’re after, you will want to be prompt. We’ve had queues at events before. We do not allow guests to queue before 11.30am. Once you know what you want to take, you bring your haul to us at the “till” where we will deduct the number of items you want to take from your swap balance on our spreadsheet. Any remaining credits can be used at future Swaps, but you’ll still need to purchase a ticket to them.
What can I bring to the Swap Shop?
You can bring:
Womenswear
Menswear
Homeware
Unused beauty products
Accessories
Jewellery
Handbags
Shoes
Books
We’d consider most things, as long as they’re in very good condition
What should I not bring to the Swap Shop?
We will not accept:
Kidswear
Baby items
Toys
Real fur
Used beauty products
Fancy dress clothes and costumes
Do the things need to be in perfect condition?
Items must be in very good and wearable condition
Items don’t need to be absolutely perfect, but wearable
Items don’t need to be steamed or ironed necessarily, although obviously that helps!
We will not accept items that are dirty, smelly, bobbly or with visible marks, stains or holes
We may limit how many items we accept from lower end highstreet stores (just because this made up the bulk of what was left at our previous Swaps)
What type of things can I expect to find at the Swap Shop?
As each attendee chooses which items they bring with them, it’s very hard for us to say what will be there on the day! We cannot guarantee what will be at any of our Swap Shops.
From our previous events, it’s been mainly women’s highstreet fashion from brands like H&M, Nike, ASOS, adidas Topshop, Zara, Mango, M&S, Cos, and Other Stories. But we never know what will show up on the day! We’ve also seen items from Marc Jacobs, Charlotte Tilbury, Ganni, Stella McCartney, Diptyque, MAC, LK Bennett, Neal’s Yard, Cath Kidston and more. Equally, we’ve seen items from Primark, Boohoo and Missguided. And there is often lots of incredible vintage, too.
There is usually a mix of clothing, accessories, and then some smaller beauty items, homeware and jewellery. While we check every item as thoroughly as possible, we cannot guarantee the quality and condition of items there, so you need to check all items before you take them home; we are unfortunately unable to do anything once an item has been swapped and taken home.
We also cannot guarantee what size range will be on offer on the day, and please note that items will not be organised by size. We understand it’s frustrating when you can’t find items in your size which is why we have expanded the Swap Shop to include homeware as well! So there’s more chance you’ll be able to find items you love to swap.
How many items can I bring?
We will accept up to 10 items per person. We will not accept any more than 10 items. Any surplus items will need to be taken away by you.
Can I save up credits for a future Swap Shop?
Yes, absolutely! If you leave the Swap with excess credits (having bought in more things than you take away) we will log this on our spreadsheet so you can use the leftover credits for the next time you attend a Swap! You will still need to purchase a ticket for any future event you want to come to.
What do you do with the clothes that don’t get swapped?
Anything not taken away will be stored and bought back out for our next Swap Shop, or donated to local charity shops in Crystal Palace. This is why we only accept up to 10 items per person, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to store or donate all of it.
Is the event dog, buggy and baby friendly?
No unfortunately not. Due to the nature of the event, it is not suitable for dogs, pushchairs or children.
Swap Shop House Rules
♻️ We will only accept a maximum of 10 items per person. Please don't bring more than 10 items
♻️ You will need to take any items not accepted to the Swap Shop away with you
♻️ We reserve the right to accept or decline any item from the Swap Shop
♻️ You may need to queue to drop off your items to us, so please leave time to do so. You can drop items off between 9am - 11am
♻️ Give your fellow Swappers space! Don't push or shove, there's room for everyone
♻️ Because of the nature of the event, it is not suitable for dogs, pushchairs or young children
♻️ Only ticket-holders will be allowed inside the Swap Shop. We kindly ask that any friends, family members or pets who have come with you wait downstairs in the pub
♻️ All items are worth one "credit". One "credit" can be used across all categories
♻️ Once an item has been checked out of the Swap Shop we are not able to accept any returns or exchanges, so please check every item thoroughly before you leave
♻️ It is every attendee's responsibility to ensure they are complying with current COVID-19 guidance
I can no longer come to the Swap Shop, can I get a refund for my ticket?
Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable. We will not be able to offer refunds on tickets for any reason.
Where can I find the full list of Ts&Cs?
You can find them here. Please read them before you attend. By booking a ticket, you agree that you have read and understood the terms and conditions. Thanks so much.