Oxfam’s Douglas charity shop will officially close at the end of January, its manager Scott Bailey has confirmed.

Isle of Man Newspapers reported back in September that the store, which has been on Castle Street for more than 30 years, would close as it was ’no longer profitable’.

Mr Bailey, who has volunteered in the store since 2014 and appointed as manager in May 2018 confirmed that the official closing date is January 31, but said that the stock the store has is quick-selling.

He added: ’People have said they’re disappointed, as we all are, not only that this store is closing but that we’re not relocating elsewhere.’

Fairtrade

Among the items the store is selling off is its book collection with all books currently half-price, clothing down to 99p except for bike leathers and DVDs and CDs also heavily reduced.

The store began selling Oxfam-branded Fairtrade goods including chocolate, tea and coffee, which Mr Bailey said were nearly all gone within hours, for just £1, with one woman spending £108 in the store.

However, one of the more bizarre items the store is currently overrun with is coat hangers, which have long been donated to charity shops by chain stores.

As the store approaches its closure, Mr Bailey said that while he is looking for work, he is also focussing on helping the shop’s 10-15 volunteers to find alternative charity shops to help in.

One volunteer Louise, who lives in Ballaugh, said that she has been volunteering in the shop since 2011 and also helps at Age Concern’s outlet in Ramsey.

Other volunteers are looking to offer their services to other charities.

Mr Bailey said that before the store closes, he hopes the remaining items sell and again thanked volunteers, supporters and customers.

He previously said: ’We’d like to thank the staff and wonderful volunteers in the Isle of Man for all their hard work in the shop, and pass on our thanks to all of our customers and everyone in the community who have supported Oxfam over many years.’