A study from The Co-operative Bank to identify the top cities for shopping second-hand identified Oxford as the fifth-best in the UK. 

It comes as new research from VoucherCodes.co.uk suggests 2025 will be the year of sensible spending, with 66 per cent of Brits saying they plan to balance savings and spending.

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This could mean a boom in the second-hand market as more people to turn to affordable and sustainable ways to make purchases without overspending.

With 48 charity shops, 22 car boot sales and seven antique fairs, Oxford has come out as one of the best fashion-thrifting areas in the UK. 

Oxford was ranked fifth for best cities for thrift shopping in the UK in new research (Image: Photo: Westgate Centre) Norwich was ranked number one, then Nottingham, Manchester and Cambridge. 

Sophie McHale, public relations lead at The Co-operative Bank, said: “Thrifting is a great way to save money while also helping the planet.

“Every week, 13 million items end up in landfill, and second-hand shopping can prevent more landfill waste from accumulating.

“On top of that, you can save up to 25 per cent per item, which could add up to £185 a year.

“Each purchase can then leave money over that could go towards your savings or other financial goals.”

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One contributing factor to Oxford’s high ranking as a thrifting hot-spot is certainly its Oxfam Superstore, the first of its kind in the country. 

The 18,500ft warehouse at Oxford Business Park opened in 2019, and has continued to grow in popularity as second-hand trends have 

Described as a “treasure trove” with items ranging from fridges to clothes, the superstore has hundreds of items on offer, which contribute to the 50 per cent increase in basket-value spends compared to normal shops, according to the charity.

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Other charity shops closer to the city centre include British Heart Foundation in St Ebbe’s Street, Sobell House and Mercy in Action Oxford, both in Little Clarendon Street.

Outside of the centre, every area in Oxford have their own range of shops catering to the boom in second-hand buying, from Sue Ryder Care in Chapel Way, Botley, to The Mind Shop in Walton Street, Jericho. 

In north Oxford there is the Helen and Douglas House or Scope in Banbury Road, while east Oxford has Age UK and Barnados in Cowley Road.

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For those looking for true vintage finds, popular, often eccentric shops abound in the city. 

The Ballroom in The Plain has pre-1975 fashion on offer, while Unicorn in Cornmarket has eclectic pieces to search through. 

The Retro Room in St Clements Street has some high-end vintage to find, and Antiques on High in High Street has vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories.