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Oxfam reviews UK warehouses as charity shop future faces uncertainty
The charity said it generated a 6.3 million pound net contribution to humanitarian work from shops, warehouses and online retail teams in its last financial year, even as it posted losses of more than 2 million pounds in the year to March 2025.
Oxfam is reviewing the operations of its three UK warehouses, citing a difficult economic climate and pressure on its high street charity shops from online secondhand marketplaces. The Guardian Business reports that Oxfam said it has no plans to close warehouses or shops, but acknowledges it cannot guarantee the future of its retail operations.
According to the report, competition from online sellers and a drop in income from recycling have hurt performance. Insiders cited concerns that the Batley warehouse, which houses the charity’s main textile recycling centre, could be targeted as part of cost cutting, with the West Yorkshire site lease up for renewal.
Oxfam Activities, the trading arm that includes new items sold in shops, its textile recycling plant and festival stewards, made losses of more than 2 million pounds in the year to March 2025, and also posted losses in the prior year. The report adds that sales fell 7% in the year to March 2025, driven by weaker recycling income.
Oxfam GB Chief Supporter Officer Lorna Fallon said shops, warehouses and online retail teams generated a 6.3 million pound net contribution to humanitarian work in the last financial year, alongside funds raised through emergency appeals. The report also notes that a source said Oxfam was considering closing up to 100 of its 500-plus UK outlets, as some stores are no longer viable.