The charity is seeing huge increases in sales as other retailers struggle

Oxfam’s online sales over the festive season have soared to new levels with a massive 27% rise on last year's total.

Total sales over the eight week Christmas period exceeded £18 million in what is a seven year high for the international aid charity.

And despite a challenging year for high street retailers, the charity bucked the trend with like-for-like sales in its shops with sales rising by 1.3% in the week before Christmas (16-22 December).

Sourced by Oxfam, the charity's own brand, rose by 48% online and 11% in its stores. Eco-friendly products such as beeswax food wrap and e-coffee cups were particularly sought after.

Andrew Horton, Oxfam Trading director said: “Strong Christmas sales demonstrate the public’s continued support for Oxfam’s work helping the world’s poorest people, and the appeal of the items we sell.

“Our shops are stocked with sustainable fashion and new products with sound ethical credentials. Our customers are increasingly thoughtful about how they spend their money seeking, out items that save the planet and make the world a kinder, fairer place for us all to live in.”

Vintage clothing, designer brands Burberry, Gucci, Chanel and high street names Whistles and Boden were top search terms online as shoppers looked for party outfits. Cashmere, handbags, silver and first editions were also especially popular. Oxfam has over 185,000 unique items listed on its website at any one time.

The impressive growth in online sales included an extremely strong Black Friday promotion, although sales were buoyant throughout the period. On Cyber Monday, a first edition of The Silver Chair by CS Lewis was sold just hours after it was listed online for £2,000.

Twenty-three thousand people volunteer in Oxfam’s high-street shops.