Oxfam Shop

I always feel like Fair Trade shops are the greatest places to give gifts from. Creative cards, original dolls/​stuffed animals, and unique jewelery. Agreeing with Taz D., I have to admit Fair Trade shops do tend to have the same vibe and same stuff.
I really can’t say what sets Oxfam apart from other places around town. The location is quite superb though, sitting cattywampus from the main Freo square where markets tend to be located. Service seemed friendly and there was a killer hammock hanging from the ceiling.

I’m a HUGE advocate of fair trade, spread the wealth organisations and generally prefer to promote smaller enterprises than global franchises yet in this case– for the sake of a good cause, the Oxfam in Freo scores a mention.
I have been into oxfams’ before and found them to be over zealous and over stated. I was approached by sales assistants who looked like they were working for the wilderness society simultaneously and were somehow incentivised to sign me up for as much as possible. This experience (over 2 years ago in Sydney) had jaded my view of this business but luckily since my Fremantle encounter some faith has been resorted.
The woman at the counter serving was friendly without being a cheese ball and the girl roaming was approachable but got that I was fine to browse and let me be to explore the third world make a break for it with all manner of recycled and improvised creations.
The stock is inspiring, but nothing I haven’t seen before, it was the laid back, relaxed feel of the staff and in turn the shop that has made Oxfam in Freo a place I will now look forward to entering.