Key facts
- Oxfam is reviewing its three main warehouses in Batley, Bicester, and Milton Keynes.
- The charity stated it cannot guarantee the future of its high street shops due to economic challenges.
- Insiders suggest Oxfam may close up to 100 of its 500-plus UK outlets.
- Oxfam Activities, the charity's trading arm, made losses of over £2m in the last two financial years.
- Sales in this division fell 7% in the year to March 2025, primarily due to reduced recycling income.
Oxfam is undertaking a review of its retail operations, including its three main warehouses, and has stated it "cannot give guarantees" on the future of its high street shops amid a challenging economic climate. The charity's trading arm, Oxfam Activities, reported losses exceeding £2 million for the past two financial years, with sales falling 7% in the year to March 2025, largely due to a decline in income from textile recycling.
Insiders suggest that up to 100 of Oxfam's more than 500 UK outlets could be closed, citing a drop in donations and increased competition from online secondhand sellers like Vinted. The lease renewal for the Batley warehouse, which houses Oxfam's primary textile recycling centre, has raised concerns about its potential closure.
Despite these reviews, Oxfam GB's shops, warehouses, and online retail teams generated a net contribution of £6.3 million towards its humanitarian work in the last financial year. The charity has also introduced new initiatives, including an online rental service and bringing online order fulfillment in-house, alongside opening a new superstore. Oxfam plans to lead its annual 'Second Hand September' campaign next month.
These operational reviews follow similar actions by other charities, such as the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research, which have recently closed numerous shops and cut jobs due to rising costs and the shift towards online shopping. The secondhand clothing market is also experiencing increased competition for both customers and donations, with falling prices for recycled textiles impacting income streams.