Princesshay launches free period product scheme in Exeter ahead of International Women’s Day

Princesshay shopping centre in Exeter is set to introduce a scheme offering free menstrual products to visitors as the city prepares to mark International Women’s Day, in a move aimed at tackling period poverty and improving access to essential hygiene items.

From April 2026, the city centre retail destination will take part in “A Package for Milly”, an initiative designed to provide discreet access to sanitary products for anyone who needs them. 

Visitors will be able to ask a member of the on-site Princesshay team for “A Package for Milly” during opening hours and will be given an envelope containing menstrual products, free of charge and without needing to provide any explanation.

The scheme was originally launched at Jackson Square Shopping Centre in Surrey, another centre managed by Savills, and is now being adopted in Exeter with the support of retailers including Oliver Bonas, Lucy & Yak and Space NK.

Princesshay says the initiative is intended to help those experiencing financial hardship, as well as anyone who may be caught short while visiting the city centre.

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The programme is named after Millicent Fawcett, the suffragist campaigner who led the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and played a key role in the campaign for women’s voting rights in the UK.

The launch comes ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, an annual global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also highlighting ongoing challenges around gender equality. 

Addressing period poverty has become an increasingly prominent issue within those discussions, particularly as rising living costs continue to affect households across the UK.

Research by ActionAid UK suggests period poverty remains widespread. 

Around 21 per cent of women and people who menstruate in the UK struggle to afford period products, equivalent to roughly 2.8 million people. 

Earlier surveys, by City York Council,   also found that 10 per cent of girls had been unable to afford menstrual products, while 15 per cent had difficulty accessing them, and nearly one in five had resorted to less suitable alternatives due to cost.

The consequences can extend beyond hygiene concerns. 

Studies by Royal College of Nursing, have found some people resort to makeshift solutions such as tissues, socks or paper, while others keep sanitary products in for longer than recommended, increasing the risk of health complications.

Although detailed local statistics are limited, charities and food banks across Devon have reported increased demand for hygiene products during the cost-of-living crisis, with sanitary items frequently requested alongside food parcels.

Hannah Overton, marketing and commercial manager at Princesshay, said the shopping centre wanted to make it easier for people to access products when they need them.

“Period products are essential items, but for many people they are not always easily accessible,” she said. 

“We are proud to support A Package for Milly and to offer a way for anyone to access what they need during a visit to Princesshay.

“If this initiative helps even one person feel more comfortable and supported then it’s worthwhile.” 

“We hope it also plays a small part in breaking down the stigma that still surrounds period poverty.”

Princesshay said it hopes the scheme will encourage other organisations and businesses in Exeter to consider similar initiatives aimed at supporting residents and visitors facing financial pressures.