Oxfam has reported a huge sales spike as sustainable shoppers began returning to its 41 Scottish stores on Monday.
The anti-poverty charity said that opening day sales were up 104% on the same Monday in 2019, making it the most successful Monday of trading in 10 years outwith festive periods.
Oxfam thanked its Scottish customers for their support and said that money raised would go towards its lifesaving work around the world.
Tom Richardson, Oxfam’s Head of Retail, said: “We’ve been absolutely bowled over by the public’s support and generosity since we re-opened on Monday and we’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s already popped into their local store.
“Money raised by our Scottish shops has never been more urgently needed: right now, Oxfam is working with partners all over the world to help protect some of the most vulnerable people on the planet from the threat of coronavirus; providing them with clean water, soap and information on how to stay safe.”
Richardson said that Oxfam was also appealing for more volunteers to come forward to help run its network of shops.
He said: “Oxfam’s volunteers are the lifeblood of our shops and we’d really welcome more hands on deck to support us as we continue to get back to business. By volunteering just a few hours of your time you can meet new people, learn new skills and do your bit to help fight poverty and make the world a fairer place.”
People across Scotland are able to register their interest in volunteering online.
Richardson encouraged shoppers not yet ready to venture out to the high street to instead support the organisation’s vital work around the world by visiting its online shop.
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
- Oxfam has a network of over 500 high street shops across Britain, including 41 in Scotland.
- Scottish shops are accepting a wide range of donated items, including clothing and accessories, books, records, CDs, DVDs and homewares.