Maggie's Dundee to launch a fashion boutique before Christmas

Maggie’s Dundee is preparing to launch its first ever pop-up fashion boutique this November - and the team behind it is now calling on people across the city to donate quality pre-loved pieces to help make it a success.

Maggie’s Boutique Dundee will run for three days from Thursday 5 November to Saturday 7 November, selling donated designer and luxury clothing, handbags, jewellery and accessories in aid of the cancer support charity.

The idea has been brought together by volunteers involved with the Maggie’s Dundee Fundraising Board, including fundraising ambassadors Shirley Linton MBE, Lisa Mitchell and Fiona Robertson.

Fiona and fellow fundraising board volunteer Richard Robertson have also been closely involved in developing plans for the new Dundee event.

Every penny raised through boutique sales will go directly towards Maggie’s Dundee, helping the centre continue to provide free practical, emotional and social support for people living with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

And ahead of the doors opening in November, the team now needs Dundee and the surrounding area to help fill the rails.

Supporters are being encouraged to look through their wardrobes for unworn or lightly worn quality, luxury or designer clothing, alongside handbags, jewellery, occasion wear and other standout pieces which could be given a new lease of life.

Shirley Linton, Chair of the Maggie’s Dundee Fundraising Board, said: “We are delighted to be launching the first Maggie’s Dundee Boutique. It is a wonderful way to bring together fashion, fundraising and sustainability, while helping Maggie’s remain free of charge for everyone living with cancer, their family and friends.

“We know Dundee is a city full of creativity and generosity, and we’d love people to get behind the boutique by donating beautiful pieces, sharing the news and coming along to the shop. We hope to be able to reveal the location in the coming weeks.”

The exact location is being kept under wraps for the moment, with organisers planning to reveal where the boutique will be held at the end of September.

The Dundee event follows the remarkable success of a Maggie’s boutique in Edinburgh, which raised more than £140,000 in just four days through ticket sales, donated and auctioned items, donations and pop-up shop sales.

The team now hopes to take inspiration from that success while creating something with a distinctly Dundee feel - combining fundraising with sustainable and circular fashion.

Broughty Ferry boutique owner Karen Charles is also helping with the project as she prepares to retire after 35 years running Patricia Forbes on Brook Street.

Karen will use her decades of experience in the fashion industry to help curate and select items for the pop-up.

She said: “The timing is perfect for me as I step back from Patricia Forbes. I’m hoping my industry experience can help contribute to this worthwhile project – selecting the items that will make the most for Maggie’s Dundee and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Donation drop-off points will be available from the week beginning Monday 7 September.

Items can be handed in at 27 South Tay Street in Dundee on Tuesdays from 10am until noon, Wardhaugh Property at 155 High Street in Arbroath on Thursdays from 10am until noon, and Dundee & Angus College’s Gardyne Campus in Broughty Ferry on Fridays from 10am until noon.

Tickets for the three-day boutique will be sold through Eventbrite and are expected to go on sale in early October.

Annie Long, Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Dundee, said: “It costs nothing to come into Maggie’s, but it takes donations to keep Maggie’s free of charge.

“Every item donated, every ticket bought and every person who helps spread the word will make a difference for people living with cancer in Dundee and across Tayside.”

The team would also like to hear from anyone interested in volunteering or from local businesses and supporters who would like to get involved.

Further details, including the boutique location, ticket information and some of the pieces set to go on sale, will be shared through @maggiesboutiquedundee on Instagram.