M&C Saatchi Abel has been recognised in six categories, including ‘Best World Changing Idea EMEA Region’, for ‘The Street Store’ in Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Global Awards.
Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas awards honoured the businesses, policies, projects, and concepts from different industries around the world that are making a positive change on a broad range of issues from the climate crisis, social injustice or economic inequality.
The Street Store was conceptualised five years ago as the world’s first rent-free, premises free, free pop-up store for the homeless. The Street Store has popped-up in cities all over the world, closing in on the 1000th store, and clothing an estimated 500,000 people.
At a time when the world is facing one of the biggest health pandemics of this generation, innovation and creativity are what’s needed in finding solutions to the issues facing humanity.
The Street Store bridges the gap between the haves and have-nots, providing the homeless with the dignity of choosing their own clothes instead of being on the receiving end of often unwanted hand-me-downs.
Mike Abel, Founding Partner and CEO of M&C Saatchi Abel said that South Africa has many people who want to help but often don’t know where or how. ‘Because of this, we conceptualised The Street Store concept in 2014. The world’s first rent-free, premises-free, pop-up clothing store for homeless people.’
The Street Store concept has seen global acclaim as anyone is able to download everything they need to host their own – a truly open-source initiative. Donations are made by the public and then placed on clothing rails for homeless people to choose the clothes they actually like and want. So far, almost 1000 Street Stores have taken place globally.
Last year, as a way to ensure ongoing clothing donations throughout the year, M&C Saatchi Abel partnered with hotel group Home Suite Hotels, where a hanger in each room of the hotel is specially dedicated to The Street Store. Travellers are encouraged to bring with them and leave behind a piece of clothing to donate, which would then be used for future Street Stores.
