Haverfordwest Oxfam shop

Oxfam GB has decided to close its shop in Haverfordwest, despite it making a profit of £25k pa. The actual date hasn’t been decided leaving managers Derrick and Mark in limbo. There will be a closing down sale with donated items initially sold at half price and then there will be a fire sale in order to clear the shop.

This community asset is being closed for reasons beyond its control. The upper floors of the premises contain asbestos which must be removed and the shop must bear the £60k+ cost, to be debited to the shop’s account in just one year, making it unprofitable. Management at Oxfam GB has known about the asbestos for some years and has kicked the problem down the road. Derrick and Mark think moving to new premises is a better option; Oxfam GB would consider the relocation costs an investment which would have a 5 year payback, but the shop would have to make £65k profit per annum.

Oxfam GB has now come up with another reason for not moving. It claims that it would take 2 years to find another property, so the renovation work on the current premises would still have to be paid for. Derrick has identified several suitable premises in the town centre and Oxfam GB is aware of this.

The shop, is profitable and increasingly so, and is an important resource for the local community. It sells an extensive range of high quality donated clothes and accessories, as well as homeware, Fairtrade food, gifts, and greetings cards. The bookshop is largest second hand bookshop in Pembrokeshire with high quality books and music across all genres. The shop is vibrant and inviting, everyone shopping there is assured of a warm welcome from staff and volunteers.

Derrick and Mark have nurtured a team of highly motivated volunteers, some of whom will use their experience to move into paid work. For others it’s an opportunity to ‘donate’ their time and expertise and to be part of a social network with a shared purpose. The shop also offers work experience to college students. So as well as generating money for Oxfam’s work, it is a magnet for people on low incomes, provides education and training opportunities, social networking and a sustainable retail model.

Oxfam states “Oxfam shops are at the heart of the charity and their community, raising vital funds and increasing public awareness of what we do”. Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru notes “the country’s shameful and stubbornly high poverty rate” Yet Oxfam is closing a thriving shop which helps to relieve poverty in its community and internationally. Obviously poverty in its own back yard isn’t a problem.

If Oxfam is happy to forego the £25k pa profit, will I continue to donate to Oxfam? I will not.

Rosamund Aubrey Oxfam volunteer.