"This is such a brilliant and exciting idea" says Katie Piper on new Oxfam personal shopper Manchester experience

According to new research from Oxfam, 67% of Mancunians want to find unique, thoughtful presents this festive season, while more than one in three (37%) would consider buying second-hand gifts, highlighting a growing appetite for more intentional shopping.

In response to this, Oxfam is introducing its first-ever Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting service at the Oxfam Superstore in Manchester, offering bespoke support to help shoppers find meaningful, sustainable and affordable gifts. Available for one exclusive weekend only (Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 December), the service will pair shoppers with a special personal shopper assistant who will provide them with tailored gift suggestions ranging from books to toys to clothing and more.

The initiative is backed by best-selling author, broadcaster and charity campaigner, Katie Piper who commented: “This is such a brilliant and exciting idea. Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming, and I never know where to start with gifts. Oxfam’s new Personal Shopper Gifting service is a great way to encourage more people to choose second-hand at Christmas. If you’re shopping pre-loved, you’re smart, savvy, and environmentally conscious. It’s cool to be kind.”

Shopping smarter is now a priority for shoppers in Manchester, with 73% saying poor customer service would make them shop elsewhere next year. While 62% of locals find in-person Christmas shopping stressful, and with shoppers expecting to make only two dedicated shopping trips, they’re looking for ways to get it right the first time.

Despite budgeting pressures, 30% feel pressure to spend beyond their means this Christmas and 31% plan to spend more on gifts this year compared to last. While over a half (54%) of residents say that one of the biggest challenges they face when it comes to Christmas shopping is finding the right gift.

The top items Mancunians are looking to purchase this year are:

• Beauty & bath products – 45%
• Food & drink – 43%
• Clothing – 41%
• Books – 38%
• Toys – 35%
• Gift cards – 33%
• Pyjamas – 32%

Among those considering second-hand gifts, motivations include:

• Saving money – 57%
• Supporting a charity’s cause – 48%
• Reducing waste – 43%
• The thrill of discovering something unique – 39%
• Ethical shopping – 31%

Beyond gifting, sustainability is driving broader shopping habits:

• 55% will reuse gift bags, boxes or ribbons
• 48% will use minimal or recyclable wrapping paper
• 42% will shop locally

Lorna Fallon, Retail Director at Oxfam, said: “Everyone has their own approach to Christmas shopping. For some, it’s the excitement of the high street, for others it’s about finding something meaningful that really shows thought. However you like to shop, you’ll always find a warm and friendly welcome in our stores, whether that’s through our Christmas personal shopping service or thanks to the year-round expertise of our dedicated shop volunteers.

“Our stores offer a real treasure trove of unique finds, from pre-loved books, clothing, homeware and accessories, to our carefully curated Sourced by Oxfam range and meaningful Unwrapped gift cards. With every purchase, shoppers are not only choosing a special gift but helping to create a fairer, more equal world.”

Oxfam operates over 500 shops across the UK, supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, and also runs the nation’s largest online charity shop.

Oxfam Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting Service details:

• Dates: Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 December
• Location: Oxfam Superstore Manchester, #Unit 28, Cheetham Hill, M8 8EP
• Sign up: Spaces limited, click here to secure your spot