Words by Katherine Witts

Independent fashion retailer, Lucy & Yak, opened their seventh store in Cardiff on September 30th in the Morgan Arcade.

Following the launch of its Manchester store in July 2023, the British company focuses heavily on its inclusivity and environmental values.

“Size inclusivity, gender inclusivity, and [we’re] good for the planet.”

Speaking to Cardiff’s Lucy & Yak staff, they emphasized the importance of the range of sizes available for customers: “Our aim is to provide comfortable, fashionable, and sustainable clothing.”

As someone who is plus-sized, shopping more sustainability comes with its challenges, especially when trying on clothes. However, Lucy & Yak provides ease in the shopping experience with their welcoming and friendly staff.

Sustainable clothing has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for the past few years.

With clothing brands have made a conscious effort to switch to longer-lasting fabrics, and the rise in secondhand sites like Vinted and Depop, consumers have been encouraged to shop more sustainably.

Lucy & Yak have utilised this trend of secondhand clothing by also introducing their Re:Yak Hub.

Through this scheme, customers can donate their old ‘Yak’ clothing and gain rewards on their accounts.

Due to the nature of their clothing being “100% GOTS certified cotton, [and] fibers made from plants”, the Re:Yak station in Cardiff provides customers ease in giving “their pieces the longest life possible,”.

The Re:Yak station’s additional benefit is a method of recycling old clothing when it reaches the “end of its life”.

“Adding a pop of pink to the historic Victorian arcades at the heart of the city”.

Co-founder Lucy Greenwood, stated: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Cardiff its first Lucy & Yak store, to reach even more of our community in Wales in person, and to be part of the city’s celebration of creativity and culture.

“We can’t wait to see how pieces are reworked and re-worn through our Re:Yak workshops, and to meet the other local independent creatives who we can platform as part of our makers markets.”

She explained that the new store “will be adding a pop of pink to the historic Victorian arcades at the heart of the city”.

You can visit Lucy & Yak at 33 Royal Arcade, Unit A1 Morgan Quarter, Cardiff.

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