Innovate: Swishing at Unthank Arms in Norwich

The Unthank Arms in Norwich put on a 'swishing' event this month — where people donate clothes for points to spend on other garb.

People are invited to donate clothes, shoes and bags, which are priced with points based on the item's appeal. The donor is given a card with their accumulated points, which they can then spend on other clothes.

Co-owner Briony D'Ath went to an event with fashion-swapping company Style Revolution and thought it would be better held in the less formal environment of her pub.

The first one, held this month, was a success and will be repeated on a monthly basis with different themes — kids' clothes and a vintage tea party with tea dresses, shoes and bags are being held in the next couple of months. D'Ath says: "It works well as we are in a residential area so people can drop off their clothes easily.

"Around 40 people came to our first event and we took an additional £300 in food and

drink sales."

D'Ath said people bought a drink while they looked at the clothes and the event brought lots of new customers to the pub.