Fast-growing resale startup CLOSWAP has opened its first permanent shop in Finsbury, North London, marking a key milestone in its mission to reshape secondhand fashion. The launch follows the re-circulation of over 20,000 garments through university pop-ups across the UK.
Founded by students Maria Remy, Peter Zakhar, and Dominik Vesely, CLOSWAP was born out of frustration with the slow progress of sustainable fashion. Their solution: create a fast, transparent, and community-driven resale alternative.
At the Finsbury location, customers can bring their unwanted clothing and receive cash or store credit instantly. There’s no need for online listings or downloads — just in-person, on-the-spot exchanges.
The brand’s origins trace back to a simple but powerful pop-up on Brick Lane, where a handwritten sign reading “Swap your outfit with a stranger” launched what would soon become a viral movement.
University halls and inboxes quickly filled with requests for events. “We had to run up to three events a day,” said Remy, CLOSWAP’s marketing lead. The team expanded rapidly, hiring additional support to keep up with growing demand.
In partnership with institutions like UCL, King’s College London, UAL, Istituto Marangoni, and housing providers such as Yugo and Scape, CLOSWAP hosted 45 pop-ups. Their efforts saved nearly 73,000kg of CO₂ emissions and over 54 million litres of water by keeping clothing in use.
These achievements have earned the startup national acclaim, including the Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur Award, British Business Awards’ Startup of the Year, and recognition as the Best Innovative Clothing Platform at the Global Leaders & Business Awards 2025.
The new Finsbury space functions as more than just a retail outlet — it doubles as a cultural venue. Thursday nights host “CLOSWAP Thursdays,” complete with live DJs, interactive programming, and even the occasional tattoo. “We’re not just another thrift shop,” Remy said. “We’re building a brand people feel part of.”
Meanwhile, CLOSWAP’s digital strategy is expanding. Its app, often compared to “Tinder for clothes,” is currently being enhanced with AI-based matching and blockchain integration, reflecting the team’s ambition to redefine how we value and trade garments. “We want clothes to have liquidity,” added Remy.
The company is currently fundraising to support international growth, with investment already secured from UAE backers. Next on the horizon: expansion into major U.S. markets like New York and Los Angeles.
Find out more at www.closwap.com.
