Oxfam to boost online focus in major retail strategy update

11/03/2022 08:32

As part of the update, the charity is rolling out Shopiago.

Oxfam, which opened its very first charity shop in Oxford in September 1948, is continuing its future-focused innovative approach by trialling Shopiago’s e-commerce platform to centralise and streamline its multi-channel online retail operations. It’s hoped the move will help the charity find new online customers and supporters around the world.  

Shopiago’s online software helps charities grow online sales, by helping them get higher selling prices, reach a wider audience, sell items faster and maximise potential from every donation. It’s integrated with eBay, Shopify, Etsy and ShipEngine.  

Oxfam’s shop and warehouse teams will use Shopiago to list donations online, track stock movements and sales, and manage warehouse space. The platform will help the Oxfam team to consolidate all online retail activity across marketplaces, with safe, secure access for users. Having a single presence per marketplace will mean the charity can build up its feedback profile, maintaining relationships with existing customers and finding new ones while increasing revenue.  

The Shopiago platform will also provide Oxfam with data that enables store managers and the e–commerce team can ensure that Gift Aid can be claimed on even more eligible items, raising additional income for the charity’s poverty-fighting work around the globe.  Teams will also be able to see what’s selling well online, which in turn will help with sourcing stock from shops and other supply points and help Oxfam to get the most from time spent listing and dispatching products. The trial will begin in Oxfam’s two major processing centres in April and some shops in May. 

Andy Ostcliffe, Head of E-commerce and Retail Innovation at Oxfam GB said: “We know that donated items reach a wider audience and generally get a higher price when they’re sold online, and our partnership with Shopiago forms a key part of our new retail strategy. We need to be where existing and potential customers are, and that’s online.”  

“Our supporters are so generous with the goods they donate to our shops that we owe it to them to get the best possible price. This in turn raises vital funds which enable Oxfam to continue fighting poverty around the world.”  

“Oxfam has operated a successful e-commerce operation for a number of years, offering customers second hand gems alongside brand new Sourced by Oxfam products on our dedicated online shop. We’re excited to build our business by entering other marketplaces and reaching a wider audience.” 

Thom Bryan, head of product at Shopiago, said: “Oxfam has always been a leader in innovation when it comes to selling online and there has never been a more exciting time for innovation in the third sector.”  

“After what has been a challenging time for charities nationwide, we now look forward to seeing our charity partners thrive with stronger online propositions than ever, and growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to their daily online shopping habits.”   

“Our partnership with Oxfam will continue to inspire further development and innovation in the sector with other charities looking to Oxfam as a guiding light. It is a great privilege to not only support Oxfam in helping to fund their vital work, but also to enable more reuse and less landfill.”