Online sales at Oxfam almost doubled over Christmas amid a slump in its high street retail operation.

The charity has revealed that its online sales rocketed during the festive period, however its High Street sales were down by 50%.

Shops were only permitted to open for a short period before Christmas and then only in lower Tiered areas, as part of the government’s social distancing restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Total sales for the charity’s online shop in the nine-week trading festive period rose were £3.4m, an increase of £1.5m or 86%.

This increase was in part due to heightened interest online for the charity’s ethically sourced and sustainable product range. Sales jumped by 421%.

Meanwhile, online sales of second-hand items rose by 84%. Books were the top selling second-hand item ahead of Christmas. Women’s clothes were the second biggest seller. Also, Christmas card sales were up 800%.

All of Oxfam’s 561 shops are currently shut, following the latest national lockdown announced at the start of January. The charity is urging customers to continue shipping online to help boost revenue.

Oxfam’s chief support officer Peter Haden said: “The performance of our online shop was a bright light at an otherwise gloomy time for our shops. With another lockdown now underway, continued strong online sales will be crucial in raising much needed money for our work with communities around the world fighting hunger and Covid.

“I can’t thank the public enough for their support – and our volunteers and shop managers for their excellent work raising funds for Oxfam during a challenging time for the high street.”

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