Oxfam’s charity shop in Douglas is due to shut its doors after 30 years.

The store’s staff received the shock announcement after an official statement from charity headquarters.

Manager of the shop on Market Street, Scott Bailey, said: ’The store is not profitable any more.

’It will be partly due to the fact that people are online shopping more, including buying things from our online Oxfam shop.

’All the staff are sad about hearing the news.’

Mr Bailey told the Examiner that there were about 10 to 15 people who work and volunteer at the shop.

’Some have been here for 10 years or longer,’ he added.

The shop, which sells second-hand items and fairtrade goods, opened in August 5, 1988, after the premises were donated to Oxfam by a Manx resident.

It is uncertain when it will shut for good.

Mr Bailey said: ’I’m not 100% sure when we will close our doors, but we do have a sign up saying it’s up for sale.

’We’ll try and keep it open for as long as possible.’

Hazel St John Taylor, Oxfam area manager for the Douglas shop, said: ’We truly regret the shop in Douglas is closing.

’After 30 years, this marks the end of an era for Oxfam in the Isle of Man.

’Oxfam is constantly evaluating the profitability of all our shops to ensure that we’re making the most money for Oxfam’s vital work in tackling poverty around the world.

’Sometimes this means we have to close a shop if it isn’t viable, but these decisions are always made with a heavy heart and are never taken lightly.

’We’d like to thank the staff and wonderful volunteers in the Isle of Man for all their hard work in the shop, and pass on our thanks to all of our customers and everyone in the community who have supported Oxfam over many years.’

Back in February, the then manager of the shop, appealed to our readers to carry on supporting the shop.

Damien Baker was speaking in the wake of a scandal involving the charity.

Allegations were made against some Oxfam officials in Haiti, widely reported in the UK media, which prompted Chief Minister Howard Quayle to seek assurances from island charities.

Mr Baker said: ’I hope that people won’t be put off giving to charities because of it - there are so many good projects out there that need our help. I want to thank the people of the Isle of Man because despite what has happened they have been very supportive of us throughout last week, bringing in their much needed donations as usual, as well as some kind words of support.’

He added: ’Oxfam is very sorry about its mistakes and I know it will do everything it can to improve and put things right.’