Emily Stein
Retail Volunteer
We’re seeking friendly, reliable people who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!
By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.
Many of our shops also sell through our online shop and therefore may have vacancies for volunteers keen to develop this area of work.
What you will be doing
Depending on the needs of the shop and your interest, you may be involved in the following:
- Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock
- Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till
- Researching valuable and vintage stock
- Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays
- Photographing and listing items for the online shop
- Promoting our exciting sustainable fashion campaigns such as Second Hand September
This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.
We encourage our shop volunteers to develop an understanding of all aspects of the shop's work so that they can support the whole team as necessary.
The skills you need
You do not need specific skills and experience but the following would be useful:
- Commitment to Oxfam's values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
- Ability to work within Oxfam's policies and shop guidelines
- An interest in retail and customer service
- Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
- Willingness to learn
What's in it for you?
- You will be joining thousands of volunteers who "won't live with poverty"
- Access to training and development
- Grow your confidence and meet new people
- Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
- Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
- Possible references for future employers
- Lunch and local travel expenses can be reimbursed in line with Oxfam's policy
Application process
Application deadline:
Ongoing
Informal chat:
After you have applied, the shop manager will contact you to arrange a time to chat about volunteering.
Start date:
After your chat with the manager and reference checks, you can choose a start date.
Additional Information
We warmly welcome everyone to apply and are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. If you have any particular needs, please talk to a manager, and we can consider possible adjustments.
We conduct ID checks for all volunteers and require one reference upon application. If you have any difficulties providing a reference, please speak to a manager for assistance.
If you need help with your application please contact us at givetime@oxfam.org.uk