Oxfam Books & Music - Winchester

Oxfam Books & Music: A Treasure Trove in Winchester

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, Oxfam Books & Music at 74 Parchment Street is more than just a thrift store; it's a veritable treasure trove for book lovers, music enthusiasts, and bargain hunters alike. This sprawling, two-floor space is a testament to Oxfam's commitment to sustainability, raising funds for poverty alleviation, and promoting a love for books and music.

Main Services

• Book Haven: Sprawling sections dedicated to fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and more. You'll find first editions, obscure titles, and contemporary bestsellers, all waiting to be discovered.
• Music Paradise: An extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes across various genres. From classic rock to jazz, indie to classical, there's something for every music lover.
• Musical Instruments: A section dedicated to musical instruments, where you can pick up everything from guitars and drums to keyboards and violins, all at a fraction of the new price.
• Clothing and Accessories: A carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. You'll find high-street brands, designer labels, and vintage pieces.
• More Than Books and Music: Oxfam Books & Music also stocks a variety of other items, including games, DVDs, vinyl records, and even furniture, making it a one-stop shop for unique finds.

Location and Access

Situated in the heart of Winchester's city center, Oxfam Books & Music is easily accessible. It's a short walk from Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall, and other popular attractions. The store is located on Parchment Street, just off the High Street, and is well-served by public transport, with Winchester railway station and bus stops nearby. For those driving, there are several public car parks within walking distance, including the city's two multi-story car parks and on-street parking.

The store is also committed to being accessible to all. It has a dedicated wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking spaces, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its offerings. The two-floor layout is serviced by a lift, making it easy for customers with mobility issues to navigate the store.

Featured Characteristics

• Unique Finds: Thanks to its constant stream of donations, Oxfam Books & Music is known for its unique finds. Whether it's a rare first edition, a vintage record, or a designer outfit with tags still attached, you never know what you might discover.
• Affordable Prices: As a charity shop, Oxfam Books & Music offers incredible value for money. Prices are already low, but the store also runs regular sales, making it an affordable destination for books, music, and clothing.
• Supporting a Cause: By shopping at Oxfam Books & Music, customers are directly supporting Oxfam's work to fight poverty and inequality worldwide. The store's profits go towards funding Oxfam's global projects.
• Community Hub: More than just a shop, Oxfam Books & Music is a community hub. It hosts events like book clubs, record fairs, and live music performances, bringing people together and fostering a love for books and music.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The store is open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with late-night shopping on Thursdays until 7:00 PM.
• Payment Methods: Oxfam Books & Music accepts cash, card payments, including contactless and NFC mobile payments, making shopping convenient and hassle-free.
• Delivery Services: For those who can't carry their purchases home, the store offers a delivery service. They can deliver your items directly to your door, or you can choose to have them ready for collection in-store.
• Refund Policy: The store operates a fair and flexible refund policy. Items can be returned within 28 days, provided they are in the same condition as when purchased.

Customer Reviews: Positive Aspects

Oxfam Books & Music has a 4.6/5 rating on Google My Business, with 24 reviews. Customers praise the store's unique finds, affordable prices, and the helpfulness of the staff. Many mention discovering rare or hard-to-find items, highlighting the store's treasure trove appeal. The community atmosphere, with events and live music, is also a big hit with customers. The store's accessibility and convenient location are frequently praised, with customers appreciating the easy-to-find, wheelchair-accessible entrance.

One customer wrote, "I found the best record ever in this shop. The staff were very helpful, and I found the best record ever. There is a record that I have wanted since I first started collecting them. I can't wait to go back and see what else I can find." This review encapsulates the joy of discovery, excellent customer service, and the unique finds that keep customers coming back to Oxfam Books & Music.

Another customer praised the store's community spirit, saying, "This is not just a charity shop; it's a community hub. I've been to book clubs, record fairs, and live music events here. It's a fantastic place to meet like-minded people and share a love for books and music." This highlights the store's role as a community gathering place, fostering connections and shared interests.

In conclusion, Oxfam Books & Music at 74 Parchment Street is more than just a thrift store. It's a Winchester institution, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its unique finds, affordable prices, and commitment to community and sustainability. Whether you're a book lover, a music enthusiast, or simply a bargain hunter, Oxfam Books & Music is a must-visit destination.

👍 Reviews of Oxfam Books & Music

Jody

5/5

I found the best record ever in this shop.

The staff were very helpful, and I found the best record ever.
There is a record that I have wanted since I first started collecting them, and I’ve never been able to find it anywhere! Every time I go anywhere to look for records, I look for this record, I’ve looked in many record shops and never been able to find it! But, when I looked in here, it was the first one I saw when I looked in the correct section!
I really recommend this shop.

m1sty.st4rr

5/5

Firstly, I wanted to comment on the reviews that say the books are overpriced because I feel alot of people will take it to heart as a first impression. Yes, although I partially agree that a used copy of 'The Devils' by Fydor Dostoyevsky shouldn't necessarily be 7 quid, the general mean prices of the books are 3-4 quid, some even less if in slightly worsened condition, which doesnt really bother me at all. I believe they have a really good selection of books for reasonable prices and the workers are very hospitible and are always ready to assist you if you are looking for anything in particular. I just want to add that I feel that they should update their more classical section since I didnt see any particular change in around 1-2 weeks as I visited during that aproximate period when I was on the hunt for some book. Apart from that I really recommend this bookshop and plus you are not only buying books you are also supporting charity aswell 🙂

My R.

4/5

There is always a good selection of books whenever I visit. I find the vinyl a little on the pricey side but the books are good value.

Daniel M.

5/5

My favourite one-stop shop for secondhand books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl in Winchester. Helpful staff, clear organisation, good displays, and a eclectic range of stock that is regularly replenished. (If you are after a particular popular author, there are usually more books in the back that you can request to have a look through.) Just be careful when you are going up and down the steep stairs if you're checking out what's upstairs!

SunRa59

5/5

I'm trying to slim down my rather vast collection of cd's and this is a great place to take them. Let's face it, Music Magpie pay so little, I feel better giving them away. 🙂🙂🙂

FROP R.

1/5

Probably the most expensive Oxfam I have ever been to. Poor condition With the Beatles for £175 for example. Using the top Discogs price for anything of interest. Even Cliff Richard lps were £6 a pop

wes H.

5/5

Decent selection of books, vinyl not so great, but cosy upstairs, and good staff.

Zoë H.

5/5

Always an excellent selection, constantly getting new titles so can keep revisiting too