The majority of the charity's 42 stores are set to re-open next week
A major charity is set to re-open the majority of its stores next week.
Oxfam will re-open its network of high street shops in Scotland on Wednesday (15 July), it announced today.
The announcement follows approval from the Scottish Government for non-essential shops to begin re-opening during the second phase of lockdown measures being lifted. The charity hopes the vast majority of its 42 Scottish shops will re-open on the date.
Oxfam says that protecting staff, volunteers, and customers from Covid-19 remains the priority, with shop teams taking measures to create a safe environment in store.
Shops will be implementing strict protocol, including social distancing, readily available hand sanitiser, masks and gloves for staff, screens at tills, regular and frequent cleaning, and closed changing rooms. Donated items will be isolated for 48 hours before they are sorted and contactless payment will be encouraged.
Oxfam is appealing for the public to call their local shop before dropping off items, to help staff manage donations. Shoppers are being urged not to leave donations outside when stores are closed.
Tom Richardson, Oxfam's operations manager for Scotland and the North of England, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people back through our doors and our staff are working tirelessly to ensure we can do so safely.
“We know that many people have used lockdown as an opportunity to have a good clear out, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find some real gems in your local Oxfam shop once it re-opens; after all, one person’s clutter is another’s treasure.
“People across Scotland have always been extremely generous in supporting Oxfam’s stores; whether through volunteering, donating or shopping and we hope that support continues as the vital funds raised by our shops are needed now more than ever.
“Every pound spent in our shops will help fight poverty and protect some of the world’s poorest communities from coronavirus. When you buy a pair of jeans in Oxfam you’re doing more than bagging a bargain and supporting sustainable fashion; you’re helping us to deliver life-saving items like soap and clean water to the people who need them most.”
Oxfam is appealing for volunteers to help shops get back to business over the summer. Each shop typically relies on a team of 30 dedicated volunteers and one or two staff, with more than 20,000 volunteers required across Britain.
Richardson added: “Oxfam relies on the goodwill and generosity of our volunteer team to help run our shops and we’re always looking for more help. We’ve all got the power to help change the world and everyone who volunteers in our shops is doing their bit, in their own way, to help create a fairer future for everyone.”
Volunteers are asked to give as little as four hours a week of their time and can take up a range of vital roles, from serving customers to sorting donations and arranging window displays. In advance of Scottish shops re-opening, people are invited to register their interest in volunteering online.
