Oxfam reviews warehouse network amid uncertainty for its high-street shops

Oxfam is examining the future of its three UK warehouses and has warned that it cannot guarantee the survival of its charity shops in the current tough economy.

Oxfam has launched a review of its three UK warehouse facilities located in Batley, Bicester and Milton Keynes, acknowledging that it cannot promise the continued operation of its high-street charity shops amid a challenging economic backdrop. The three sites together employ about 90 people, and there are concerns that the Batley location, which houses the main textile-recycling hub, could be shut when its lease comes up for renewal.

Insiders suggest the charity might look at closing up to 100 of its 500-plus outlets as donation levels dip and competition from online resale sites such as Vinted intensifies. Oxfam Activities, the division that runs the shops, warehouses and a textile-recycling plant, posted losses exceeding £2 million for the year to March 2025, with a 7 % drop in sales driven by weaker recycling income. Nevertheless, chief supporter officer Lorna Fallon emphasized a £6.3 million net contribution from retail to humanitarian work and said no closures are currently planned, noting new initiatives like an online rental service and a second superstore in Manchester. The review follows similar cutbacks at other UK charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research, which have also reduced their retail footprints.