Oxfam has said it cannot guarantee the future of its high street shops and is reviewing the fate of three warehouses, according to reports. The charity operates around 500 shops across the UK and insists it has no plans to close stores or warehouses, but an insider has raised fears that warehouses in Batley, Bicester and Milton Keynes could face closure.
Donations decline as Britons turn to online resale platforms
According to The Guardian, as many as 100 of Oxfam's shops could shut their doors. Donations have reportedly dropped off at stores as cash-strapped Britons increasingly sell unwanted items online through platforms such as Depop and Vinted. The charity has launched a new online retail platform called Oxfam Shop, where customers can purchase clothing, books, gifts and more. However, the insider warned: "Oxfam is always more expensive, and that's starting to have an effect."
Warehouse review and cost-cutting measures
The same source expressed concern that the charity could close its Batley warehouse in West Yorkshire when the lease comes up for renewal, as part of a cost-cutting drive. The three warehouses employ approximately 90 people and oversee both the organisation's humanitarian and textile and retail operations.
Oxfam GB chief supporter officer Lorna Fallon acknowledged that the charity raises millions through its retail operations, but conceded she could not give guarantees on the future of this wing of the organisation. Fallon said: "In [the last financial year], Oxfam GB's shops, warehouses and online retail teams generated a £6.3m (net) contribution to our humanitarian work, as well as raising dedicated funds through emergency appeals to support crises in Venezuela, the Middle East and Ukraine."
Retail performance and future plans
Fallon added: "As is standard practice, we keep all parts of our retail operations under review via regular meetings. While we cannot give guarantees in this difficult economic climate, we are confident in and positive about our current retail performance and do not have plans to close our shops or warehouses at this time."
Fallon revealed that the charity is preparing to launch a second superstore in Manchester and is now fulfilling online orders internally. She continued: "Next month our shops, warehouses and digital hubs will be leading Second Hand September, our annual campaign to tackle fashion's environmental damage while raising funds for our global work on poverty and climate change." This follows Oxfam reporting its income dropped by approximately £28m to £339.4m in 2025. Oxfam GB also made 250 staff members redundant last year in a bid to slash more than £10m in expenditure.
