Oxfam is currently conducting a review of its three primary warehouse facilities located in Batley, Bicester, and Milton Keynes. The charity has stated it “cannot give guarantees” regarding the long-term future of its high street shops, citing a “difficult economic climate” that continues to challenge the sector.
While the organization maintains that there are no active plans to shutter any warehouses or retail outlets, internal concerns persist. Specifically, there is apprehension regarding the Batley site, which serves as the charity’s main textile recycling hub, as its lease is currently up for renewal. Collectively, the three warehouse locations employ approximately 90 staff members.
Industry insiders suggest that Oxfam is evaluating the viability of its network, with potential consideration being given to closing up to 100 of its more than 500 UK outlets. Sources indicate that a drop in donations, coupled with intense competition from online secondhand platforms like Vinted, has placed significant pressure on the charity’s traditional business model. Some observers noted that Oxfam’s pricing is often higher than its competitors, which is increasingly impacting sales performance.
Financial data shows that sales across the charity’s retail operations fell by 7% in the year ending March 2025, largely due to a slump in income from recycling. Furthermore, Oxfam Activities—the arm responsible for selling new items, managing the Batley plant, and providing festival stewards—reported losses exceeding £2m for the year to March 2025, a trend consistent with the previous year.
Lorna Fallon, chief supporter officer of Oxfam GB, defended the organization’s performance, noting that its shops, warehouses, and online teams generated a £6.3m net contribution to humanitarian efforts in the last financial year. These funds supported emergency appeals for crises in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
“As is standard practice, we keep all parts of our retail operations under review via regular meetings,” Fallon stated. She emphasized that while guarantees cannot be provided in the current economic environment, the charity remains confident in its retail performance. She highlighted recent initiatives, including the launch of an online rental service, the in-housing of online order fulfillment, and the opening of a second superstore in Manchester.
Looking ahead, the charity is preparing for its annual “Second Hand September” campaign, which aims to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry while raising funds for global poverty and climate change initiatives. The campaign will be spearheaded by the charity’s shops, warehouses, and digital hubs.
Oxfam’s strategic review follows similar cost-cutting measures across the charity sector. Earlier this summer, the British Heart Foundation closed 150 shops and reduced its workforce, citing rising costs and the shift toward online shopping. Similarly, Cancer Research announced in October that it would be closing 90 locations across the UK.
The broader voluntary sector continues to grapple with shifting consumer habits. Beyond the rise of online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted, charities have seen a decline in the value of “rag”—the term for damaged or unwanted textiles intended for recycling—which previously served as a vital revenue stream. The report also notes that a source said Oxfam was considering closing up to 100 of its 500-plus UK outlets as sales at some were no longer viable.
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