Sojo, the ‘Deliveroo-style’ app for clothing repairs and alterations has been officially given B Corp status, having been recognised for its commitment to circularity in fashion and its score of 86.8 in the B Corp assessment criteria.
Sojo acts to connect its users to local seamstress or tailoring businesses and collects items from customers via bicycle. Founded in 2021 by Josephine Philips, the business aims to increase the longevity and circularity of consumers’ wardrobes.
For deliveries outside of London, Sojo works with the zero and low-emission courier service DPD Green to offer customers ‘easy and hassle-free processes for clothing alterations and repairs.’
Speaking with Drapers last week, Josephine explained how the circular nature of its repair service has become a key part of its recent B Corp success. Other contributing factors include its 100% recyclable and compostable packaging; 100% renewable energy used to power its studio; the reuse of textile offcuts to complete other repairs; and zero emission cargo bike deliveries.
“I’ve always thought that it’s so important in the sustainability space that the work you’re doing is assessed and validated by external parties – I’ve watched many companies I admire and look up to go through the process and achieve B Corp status and I’ve always wanted Sojo to be part of the roster,” she said.
“It’s such a great community of companies trying to do things better and it’s really great that we’ve managed to get their stamp of approval that we’re doing business right. I look forward to continuing to do the work to have a positive impact on this planet.”
Earlier this week, the fashion repair platform moved into its first permanent space at Selfridges in London, building out the department store’s own roster of circular services. The new hub can now be found on the third floor of the luxury department store.
It’s here that Sojo’s team of skilled tailors will be available to offer advice on fit and adjustments to enhance any wardrobe, ranging from hem lengthening and shortening to upsizing and tightening the waist. This might include denim patching, knitwear repairs, and zip replacement, with prices for services beginning at £5.
To address needs for tailoring and repairs, customers can use the web portal to schedule a free in-person fitting or consultation.
Most services will be completed at Sojo’s East London studio to be collected from store, or home-delivered.
The permanent move into Selfridges follows the success of a month-long pop-up trial called The Corner Shop housed at the department store only last year.
Repair, resale, and rental are all combined in this new area of the store, which is a part of a larger Reselfridges destination that aims to have 45% of transactions come from circular goods and services by 2030.
