Brand new 'Preloved Kilo' store opens on Division Street in Sheffield

Preloved Kilo is a familiar concept in brand new surroundings, as the popular company - which often hires event space in the city for its ‘£15 a kilo’ clothing sales - moves into its brand new premises on Division Street this week.

The company traditionally visits three or four cities across the UK each weekend, hauling over nine tonnes of handpicked stock to each event - but this is the first time it’s had a permanent base.

“We’re really excited about this,” said Preloved Kilo’s general manager, Steve Lynam.

“Our company has an avid following, so we always knew there would be an appetite for a store like this, and we’re excited to be officially opening after all the uncertainty of the last few months.”

Steve revealed it has been a difficult time for the family-run business, unable to host events since lockdown began, and with no revenue since March.

“Lockdown gave us the push to go ahead and open the store,” said Steve, of Rotherham, whose family also owned Mooch Vintage, which the new shop has replaced.

“It felt like the right time for a change. We know the concept works, and we’ve been getting so many people reaching out to us in the last few months asking when and where they’re going to be able to get stock and items from us again.

“With any luck, this will be the first of many stores.”

Preloved Kilo’s first ever event took place in Bristol in 2017, and three years on it has hosted more than 300 events in over 50 towns and cities in the UK.

The business - which employs between 15 and 20 staff who, Steve says, are mainly family and close friends – has saved at least 500 tonnes of clothing from going to landfill in that time, working with second hand clothing suppliers to handpick everything they sell.

As its store opens at 11am today, the team has ensured it is meeting all government guidelines.

“There are hand sanitisers at the door, and we’re all observing social distancing in the shop,” he added.

“All staff are wearing masks, and the changing rooms are closed to the public for now, so we’ve advised people to bring tape measures with them, to check sizing.

“We’ve done everything we can to ensure that this is a safe space for our customers and our employees.

“We’re also limiting the store to ten people at a time, who each have a maximum of one hour’s shopping time.

“I think our customers will respect the rules, and each other’s space. We’ve been posting a lot online in the run up to the opening, and have been careful to set people’s expectations.”

By 10am this morning, a queue was already formed outside the shop, and Steve says the family is confident people will turn out.

“People are ready for this, and we can’t wait to see them.”