Tying in with its popular Second Hand September campaign, Oxfam unveils its flagship superstore this Saturday in Cowley. Located in an industrial unit on Oxford Business Park North, the store is 12 times the size of a standard Oxfam shop, which means more vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, books and household wares than ever before. There will be displays full of Sourced by Oxfam products, and the new cafe-cum-events space will serve Fair Trade coffees, teas and a selection of "world foods". The light and airy space has been designed to make shopping at Oxfam more of an experience than merely a transaction - come to donate or rummage through the racks, but stay for coffee and a bite to eat.
This is not only a historic step forward for Oxfam, but also a symbolic return to the city where the charity was founded in 1948. The organisation now operates all over the globe, responding to those in need in the aftermath of environmental disasters, and championing education, fairer trade and women's rights in a bid to put an end to global poverty. Closer to home, Oxfam is pushing for sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry by promoting second hand retail and clothing recycling. At the new superstore, you can expect to find Fendi, Gucci and Chanel alongside more familiar high street names, all selling for a fraction of high street prices.
The industrial unit's drive-in entrance will make donating easier than ever, especially given that the superstore has partnered up with Rework to sell second hand white goods and other bulkier items. With other new ideas being floated, such as a lending library for electrical goods, as well as plans for free talks and events, Oxfam's new superstore is an innovative addition to Oxford's retail landscape. Saturday's opening provides the perfect opportunity to see it for yourself.
Oxfam Superstore, 6500 Alec Issigonis Way, Oxford Business Park North, Oxford, OX4 2JZ
