Oxfam Retail Profit Falls 23% as UK Charity Shops Face Online Secondhand Competition

Profits at major UK charity shops have dropped sharply, raising concerns about the future of their fundraising model. Oxfam's retail profit fell 23% to £4.9 million in the last financial year, down from £6.4 million the previous year, according to unpublished accounts seen by the Financial Times. The charity described trading conditions as 'exceptionally challenging' amid growing competition from online secondhand clothes platforms. The decline reflects broader pressures on high street charity retailers, which have long relied on donated goods sales to fund their work. As shoppers increasingly turn to digital marketplaces for used clothing, traditional charity shops are struggling to maintain revenue. The shift could have significant implications for the sector, which supports a wide range of social and humanitarian programs. Industry experts suggest that without adaptation, charity shops may face further financial strain in the coming years.