Smart Works Birmingham Launches First-Ever Pop-Up Shop to Empower Women into Work

Smart Works Birmingham opened the doors of its very first pop-up shop, raising £900 in just two hours on it’s opening day. The week-long shop, based on Link Street and gifted by Hammerson Plc, will run daily from 10am to 6pm until Wednesday 16 April.

The charity, which supports unemployed women with professional clothing and coaching ahead of job interviews, has stocked the store with donated items from fashion brands including Rixo, Whistles, Pink City Prints, and Aligne. All proceeds will directly fund Smart Works’ mission, with 100% of sales supporting women back into employment.

“This public presence is fantastic,” said Lilly Clements, Fundraising & Partnerships Manager at Smart Works Birmingham. “We’re not only raising vital funds but awareness too. One visitor even discovered our services while browsing — we were able to connect her with support on the spot.”

Volunteer Charlotte Neighbour, a fashion student from Nottingham University, added: “The shop looks so trendy! There’s such a variety – something for everyone.”

Smart Works Birmingham, part of the national Smart Works charity, has helped 720 women over the past year, with 72% securing a job within one month. Since its founding in 2016, the Birmingham branch has supported 4,500 women, contributing to the charity’s nationwide goal of helping 10,000 women a year by 2025.

The pop-up marks a new chapter in the charity’s community outreach, combining fashion and social impact to transform lives — one outfit at a time.