The Oxfam charity shop on Liverpool's Bold Street has reopened its doors following a significant refurbishment. The store has been completely transformed with a new boutique-style interior, curated vintage clothing, and a fresh stock of designer items available for under £15.
After closing for less than two weeks for the renovation, the shop welcomed customers back over the weekend to a completely new shopping environment. The reopening proved highly successful, with the store reporting its busiest Sunday on record and generating a week's worth of revenue in just two days.
Key Takeaways
- Oxfam on Bold Street has reopened after a complete refurbishment, adopting a modern boutique aesthetic.
- The store now features curated vintage clothing and designer brands like Ted Baker and Michael Kors for under £15.
- All previous stock was replaced, and the shop now sources items from vintage suppliers as well as receiving donations.
- The reopening weekend saw record sales, with takings equivalent to a full week of previous trading.
A Transformed Shopping Experience
The updated Oxfam store has moved away from a traditional charity shop layout to a more high-end, boutique feel that aligns with other retailers on Bold Street. The interior now features an industrial-style black colour scheme and new shelving throughout.
As part of the overhaul, the shop cleared out all of its old stock. It has been replaced with a carefully selected range of vintage and designer clothing. This move is part of a strategic investment by Oxfam to capitalize on the branch's prominent city centre location.
Curated Collections and Designer Finds
Shoppers can now find a wide selection of unique items, with rails dedicated to specific styles like retro sportswear, bomber jackets, and paisley shirts. Classic vintage staples such as leather jackets and Levi's jeans are also well-stocked.
During a recent visit, several designer labels were spotted on the rails. A Ted Baker jacket was priced at £14.99, while dresses from Karen Millen and Michael Kors were available for under £15. Other popular brands, including Guess and Lucy and Yak, were also among the new inventory.
Did You Know?
Unlike many charity shops that rely solely on public donations, the Bold Street Oxfam sources stock from various vintage and vinyl suppliers to ensure a consistent and high-quality inventory. This curated approach helps it compete with other vintage stores in the area.
More Than Just Clothing
The refurbishment extends beyond the clothing rails. A dedicated section at the back of the store has been revamped to showcase an impressive collection of vinyl records, CDs, books, and comic books. These items are displayed on new shelving, creating an organized and inviting space for media enthusiasts.
Deputy manager, Debbie Creese, explained the store's approach to sourcing its diverse stock.
"We look at what customers want. We have a good relationship with local suppliers too. Dig Vinyl often donates records for example."
Second Hand September
The store's reopening aligns perfectly with 'Second Hand September,' an annual campaign run by Oxfam. The initiative encourages consumers to buy only second-hand items for 30 days to promote sustainable fashion and reduce waste. The newly refurbished store provides an ideal destination for Liverpool residents participating in the campaign.
Successful Reopening and Community Impact
The new look and curated stock have already proven to be a major success. The store experienced long queues throughout its reopening Saturday and achieved its busiest Sunday ever recorded. The timing also coincided with the return of students to the city, further boosting footfall.
"We had queues all day on Saturday and it was our busiest Sunday ever," said Debbie Creese. "We made as much money this weekend as we did in a week before. But it's about making it sustainable."
The financial success directly supports Oxfam's global initiatives. Rachel Cosgrove, Head of Retail Operations for the charity, highlighted the dual benefit of shopping at the store.
"We're absolutely thrilled to re-open our Oxfam Bold Street shop. The team has worked incredibly hard to refresh the space and it looks fantastic. Shopping second hand isn't just about finding something unique it's about making a difference. Every purchase helps reduce waste and support Oxfam's vital work around the world."
The Bold Street branch is currently seeking new volunteers to support its operations. Those interested in volunteering or donating items can find more information on the official Oxfam website.