Hello everyone.

Welcome to this brand new blog for the Oxfam shops in Nottingham city centre, which we have set up to keep you informed about the exciting changes we have in store over the next few months.

In early 2009 we will be opening a brand new Oxfam shop on Market Street, near to Debenham's and just a minute's walk from the Market Square.

This smart, centrally-located new shop will sell books and music as well Oxfam's range of Fair Trade food, greetings cards and ethical gifts. Designed for the ethical and enlightened shopper, the new shop will also recognise the value of good, old-fashioned customer service and of giving everyone the chance to find something to suit their every budget. It will take the place of our current books and music shop on Goose Gate. But, fear not...

...the Goose Gate shop is not closing! Instead, it is going to be transformed into our new boutique. The boutique - in the wonderful old listed building with its high ceilings and industrial columns - is going to be a fabulous new shop for Oxfam and for Nottingham, specialising in vintage and designer clothing and accessories and High Street favourites - all at very reasonable prices. Complimenting the clothing will be an eclectic mix of homeware, retro and quirky collectables and - if it all goes to plan - some lovely handmade one-off items that you won't find anywhere else.

So, in effect, we have two new shops on the way. Two shops, but one purpose - to offer you good quality, good value and a good cause: knowing that whenever you buy from us you get something you want but you also do a bit more to help beat poverty and suffering around the world. Which sounds like a good thing all round...

Work begins in earnest on the new shops in early January, so once it's underway we'll be posting regularly with pictures and more information about progress towards the grand opening, including more details about our launch events, preview nights and live music.

We hope you find this blog interesting and helpful, but if you have any questions that we haven't answered please send us a question or thought. And if you're interested in getting even more involved in Oxfam shops in Nottigham - by donating your goods (for us to sell at our shops) or by donating your time (as a volunteer) - give us a ring or message us. We'd love to hear from you.

And don't forget, over the festive period we are open for business as usual at Goose Gate. So hopefully we'll see you very soon... Cheers for now,

Thomas, Shop Manager.