Oxfam ‘can’t guarantee future’ of charity shops as it also reviews warehouse business
Dwindling donations and stiff competition from secondhand sellers online prompt review but ‘no plans for closures yet’ Oxfam is reviewing the operations of its three warehouses in Batley, Bicester and Milton Keynes and says it “cannot give guarantees” on the future of its high street shops in a “difficult economic climate”. The charity said it had no plans to close warehouses or shops but…
Oxfam is currently reviewing the operations of its three warehouses in Batley, Bicester, and Milton Keynes, amid dwindling donations and fierce competition from online secondhand sellers. The charity has no plans to close these facilities, but insiders fear that the Batley warehouse, home to Oxfam's main textile recycling centre, might be shut down as part of a cost-cutting initiative, due to its upcoming lease renewal.
The three warehouses employ around 90 people in total, while there are over 500 Oxfam outlets across the UK.
Donations have declined, and the charity's shops face challenges from online sellers of secondhand goods, such as Vinted. Oxfam's own shops are considered more expensive than their competitors, which may be negatively impacting sales. The charity's retail division, Oxfam Activities, generated a £6.3 million net contribution to humanitarian work and fundraising efforts in the year to March 2025. However, it also reported losses of more than £2 million during the same period, primarily due to a drop in income from recycling.
Lorna Fallon, Oxfam GB's chief supporter officer, stated that Oxfam's shops, warehouses, and online retail teams contributed £6.3 million to the charity's humanitarian missions. Despite the challenging economic climate, Fallon remains confident in the current retail performance and does not plan to close shops or warehouses at the moment.
The charity is also launching new initiatives, such as an online rental service and a second superstore in Manchester. In September, Oxfam will hold its annual Second Hand campaign to promote sustainable fashion and raise funds for poverty and climate change initiatives.
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