Charity shops boom in tough times

Harry Hill in Oxfam
Harry Hill in Oxfam

John Phillips/UK Press/Press Association Images

We're sidestepping the high street favourites for a more budget solution - and making a beeline for the charity shops. According to the latest financial report from Oxfam, sales from its shops are up markedly from this time last year.

So why is this, and what effect is it having on the rest of the high street?