Oxfam is reviewing its retail operations as a result of mounting pressure from falling donations, weaker recycling income and growing competition from online resale platforms,
It has suggested that up to 100 of its highstreet stores could be at risk as a result.
The charity, which operates more than 500 shops across the UK, said it could not give guarantees over the future of its estate in the current economic climate, although stressed that it has no plans to close shops or warehouses at present.
The review also covers Oxfam’s three warehouses in Batley, Bicester and Milton Keynes, which employ around 90 people between them.
According to research from The Guardian, insiders fear the charity’s Batley site, home to its main textile recycling operation, could close as its lease comes up for renewal.
A source also claimed Oxfam was considering the closure of as many as 100 shops as some locations become increasingly difficult to operate profitably.
Oxfam has been grappling with increased competition from resale platforms such as Vinted and eBay, both for shoppers and donations, alongside a sharp decline in the value of unwanted textiles sold for recycling.
The charity’s latest accounts show retail trading income fell three per cent to £99.4m in the year to March 2025, while net trading income dropped from £8.3m to £6.3m. Oxfam also closed five of its least profitable shops during the period as it sought to optimise its store network and control costs.
Oxfam GB chief supporter officer Lorna Fallon said its shops, warehouses and online retail teams generated a £6.3m net contribution towards its humanitarian work in its last financial year.
She added that although the charity regularly reviews all parts of its retail operation, it remained “confident in and positive about” its current retail performance.
Oxfam is continuing to invest in new routes to shoppers. Earlier this month, it launched its first online fashion rental service and made its debut on eBay Live, where it sold out every item offered during the livestream.
It has also been investing in its physical estate, opening its first dedicated Oxfam Vintage concept in Manchester earlier this year as it looks to capitalise on growing demand for second-hand fashion.
The pressure facing Oxfam follows wider restructuring across the charity retail sector. The British Heart Foundation recently outlined plans to close around 150 stores over two years, citing rising costs and changing shopping habits.
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