Focus on sustainability as Hazaar lays claim to UK’s first online student marketplace
UK-based student focused marketplace, Hazaar, has officially launched its new e-commerce platform.
In its debut drop, it brings together 11 brand partners - including the likes of Hydroflask, Osprey, Elliker, Art of Football, Plastic Freedom, CDG London and EMRLD - to students across the UK. The focus here is on selling high quality excess stock at prices they can afford.
Each drop is hosted on Hazaar and released every two weeks, featuring new brands timed to key student moments like Freshers and graduation, with prices revealed exclusively to verified students upon sign in. Orders are then fulfilled via drop shipping directly from the brand to the student shopper.
Hazaar was initially built by Harriet Noy in 2020 as a Facebook community during her second year at the University of Birmingham. She offered this across ten universities save money, reduce waste and trade items directly on campus. Today, Hazaar is nationwide with a database of over 23,000 students.
Noy says: “For students, rising prices and a growing desire to shop sustainably often make well-known brands feel out of reach. We’re changing that by providing students with exclusive access to the products they love at prices that fit their budgets.”
“Beyond affordability, we’re helping them make conscious choices that align with their values, proving that style and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive. By doing so, we’re becoming more than just a shopping destination - we’re the go to place for making university life easier, more enjoyable and sustainable.”
Luke Cuthbert, Co-founder and Director of Art of Football, says: “We value that Hazaar has built a vibrant community that’s redefining the way people approach fashion, making conscious consumption accessible to the next generation of consumers.”
“By fostering awareness and promoting sustainability, Hazaar is not only inspiring mindful choices but also creating a movement where style and responsibility coexist. This partnership represents a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for fashion, where every purchase is thoughtful and every item finds a home.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
E-commerce will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
