CHARITY shops came under fire from town traders last week, after an eighth store opened in the centre of Kendal. They do not pay full business rates, several sell brand new stock and they are predominantly run by volunteers. Reporter Helen Perkins spent a morning at Kendal’s Oxfam shop to to see just what a charity shop has to offer.

Oxfam is one of a breed of shopper-savvy stores which challenge local high street retailers.

When I walked in to the Kendal branch just after 9am yesterday, there was none of the musty old coats you might have found 20 years ago.

Instead I found luxury Fairtrade coffee, silk scarves, wooden bangles and recycled notepads.

“There’s an ambience and professional atmosphere to our store,” said manager Stephen Clarke.

He holds one of two paid positions at the branch and monitors its targets and objectives.

This year it increased its opening hours, branched out into children’s clothing, began online trading and started investment plans to refurbish its book shop.

“A lot of businesses could learn from our work here,” he said.

Upstairs in the sorting room, behind all the shiny laminate flooring and beaded jewellery, I met volunteers who explained their belief in the charity’s international aid work and local projects.

Kendal Oxfam’s 89 volunteers support Duke of Edinburgh schemes, rehabilitation and probation programmes, and local special needs schools, as well as projects abroad.

It is not a business which can be criticised for a lack of community spirit.

Janet Hayton, a retired volunteer, has worked at the shop for more than 20 years.

She said: “We are doing our bit for poor people abroad who can barely afford to eat.

“I think normal shops and charity stores like us can co-exist as long as they both offer something unique –and we do.”

Customers seem to agree.

Whatever their trading privileges, the Kendal branch of Oxfam generated £114,000 after bills were paid last year.

Plans for the future suggest they will still be going strong in another 44 years.