I wouldn't normally bother reviewing a charity shop, but the Oxfam Boutique is something else. It's the first boutique charity shop in the UK opened by Oxfam, meaning that the best donated stock from all over the UK is shipped into Durham to delight buyers. It's laid out as a boutique too, so no more trawling through endless rails of rubbish. Being a charity shop it is still hit and miss whether you'll find anything that you like, but chances are you will. There's a good mix of vintage, retro and second-hand designer clothes and shoes, with none of your ordinary half worn-out charity shop clobber.
They also stock new fairtrade gift products and new clothes from the People Tree range of ethical fashion. There is a fancy dress hire service as well; they've kept back some of the best vintage things and will hire them out as costumes for £5 a time. Definitely worth a rummage. read more