Hazaar and Oh Polly team on student pop-up initiative that gives imperfect stock a new lease of life
Hazaar, a UK-based marketplace, is partnering with fashion brand Oh Polly to host an exclusive student pop-up at Studio Manchester.
This offers students the chance to shop for imperfect Oh Polly pieces - items with minor defects or damaged packaging - at heavily discounted prices.
With over 500 people signed up, the event marks Hazaar’s first in-person activation since the launch of its new e-commerce platform last month.
Founded in 2020 by Harriet Noy during her second year at Birmingham University, Hazaar began as a simple student to student marketplace on Facebook, where students at ten universities could trade items directly on campus. It now connects verified UK students with brands that share its values, with the aim of repurposing surplus stock into drops at prices that they can afford.
Noy says: “We started Hazaar to make university life easier, more affordable and more sustainable - and this event is a perfect reflection of that mission. Students shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and ethics. By giving imperfect stock a second life, we’re helping them shop consciously while proving that fashion can be fun, planet-friendly and doesn’t need to break the bank.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Green retail was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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