A SHOP where "people come in and see a smiley face" is set to close after nearly 30 years of trading in Evesham.

The Oxfam branch in High Street is bidding farewell to its customers after revealing it will close for good this Saturday.

The long-standing charity shop has been a staple in Evesham after it moved from Bengeworth in the early 2000s.

Evesham Journal: Local musician Kev ‘Spitz’ Spittle previously preforming in the shop. Local musician Kev ‘Spitz’ Spittle previously preforming in the shop. (Image: Oxfam)Shop manager, Lindsey Lavender, said the decision has come with mixed feelings and her staff are the lifeblood of the store. 

The cost of living has led to customers spending less money in the store, and she said spending habits have changed massively since Covid with more people shopping online. 

Ms Lavender said: "We have been on the High Street for many years, then Bengeworth before that.

Evesham Journal: The shop was used by many members in the local community. The shop was used by many members in the local community. (Image: Oxfam)"We had volunteers for years - one volunteer for 26 years which is way before my time at the shop.

"The shop means a lot to volunteers and this is the end of an era and a sign of the times."

Last year, the shop changed from being a typical charity shop to one that just specialised in selling books and music. 

The shop's transformation allowed it to become a community hub by running sessions for the Poet Laureate and hosting live music sessions.

"There have been many different feelings (that have come with the decision). 

"Sad, angry, frustrated and thinking is there something I could have done to make things better?

"It has been mixed feelings, but I have been brought up with parents where if one door closes, another one opens and it is about moving forward and not dwelling on the past."

Ms Lavender has been helping Oxfam volunteers sign up for other volunteering opportunities and said their business loss is another charity's gain. 

She said she hopes in the future that the residents the charity supports, like older people and those suffering from loneliness, will be able to find adequate help from other charities in the area.

The store will officially close on Saturday, December 2.