Located at 36-38 Bedford Street, the store offers more than just pre-loved books—it's a striking space where activism, sustainability, and community meet.
This fresh take on the traditional charity bookshop invites customers to shop, donate, and act for a fairer world. Visually bold and socially conscious, the space features black ceilings, vibrant wall graphics, and strong messaging like “MAKE THE FUTURE FAIRER, REWRITE THE STORY” and “YOU, ME, US, WE – TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.”
The design choices reflect Oxfam’s global mission. Shelving throughout the shop is crafted from OSB (oriented strand board), a material commonly used for their shipping containers—drawing a subtle link to the movement of goods and supplies around the world. All fixtures were made in the UK, underlining Oxfam’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
“We wanted to create a space that reflects Oxfam’s values—bold, practical, and globally connected,” said Matthew Burgess-Evans, Head of Store Development at Oxfam GB. “Every design choice was intentional, from the materials we used to the messages on the walls. This store shows that second-hand can be both stylish and radical.”
The shop offers:
A wide range of carefully curated second-hand fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books
Vinyl, CD’s, and ethically sourced merchandise
A wall celebrating activism and creative resistance
Prominent calls to shop, donate, and volunteer—reinforcing the power of community action
Over the bookshelves, a quote from Maya Angelou reads: “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” It’s a perfect fit for a store designed to be inclusive, hopeful, and unapologetically purposeful.
Visit the new Oxfam Bookshop at:
📍 36-38 Bedford Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5DY
