Oxfam Blamed For Closure Of Second Hand Bookshops

Oxfam is under criticism from second hand book dealers. It is rare that feel the need to take a pop at such a well loved charity as Oxfam. But things have got so bad for the second hand book industry that they are willing to speak out and claim that Oxfams bookshops are putting them out of business.

They claim that Oxfam is the “Tesco of the second hand book market” and that the unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the close of many seconds hand book shops over the last 15 years.

Oxfam opened its first seconds hand book shop in 1987 and now has 121 second hand bookshops in different parts of the country. Has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.

The basis of the book dealer’s argument is that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace, they get staffing for free on the most part, they do not have to pay for stock and they get an 80% reduction in business rates.

Oxfam have responded by pointing out that there are many other factors affecting the profitability of second hand book sellers, such as the fall in new book prices, and ability to buy second hand books online.

Bookdealers seem unclear about what measures should be taken. Do they want Oxfam stopped from selling books? Do they reject the idea that an obvious charity should receive charitable status? Do they believe they should receive free product and staffing to be donated to themselves by general populace so they can make personal profit?