Loose Women star Katie Piper backs Oxfam service for budget stretched Christmas shoppers
Oxfam has launched its first ever personal shopper gifting service, backed by author, broadcaster, and charity campaigner, Katie Piper.
Piper says: “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.”
Oxfam operates over 500 shops across the UK, supported by more than 20,000 volunteers, and also runs the nation's largest online charity store.
Lorna Fallon, Retail Director at Oxfam, says: “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.”
The personal shopper gifting service will be available at its Manchester and Oxford Superstores on Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th December, and at Oxfam Twickenham on Saturday 6th December.
Piper came to the UK’s attention in 2008 after suffering horrific injuries following an acid attack. After sharing her story, she became a household name and an advocate for others with burns and disfigurement injuries, setting up her own foundation The Katie Piper Foundation.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Physical stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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