The Oxfam store on Forfar’s High Street will close its doors for the final time after the lease for the property came to an end.
The shop has raised more than £400,000 for the charity over a 30 year period, but the economic downturn has meant the organisation will not be renewing the lease.
Staff and volunteers said it was a shame things were coming to a close but were thankful for the time they had spent together.
Manager Liz Barnett (75) said: “I’ve worked here for 17 years and you make so many friends and we all do things together.
“I just want to give an enormous thank you to the people who have brought things in, donated and bought something from us.”
Brenda Haycock, area manager for North-East Scotland said: “Oxfam depends greatly on volunteers and we have had many valuable helpers over many years with diverse skills this along with the support from our donors and supporters has enabled us to raise £401,368 during our 30 years at 5 East High Street.
“This money has been used to help our programme work both overseas and in the UK. Oxfam is hugely grateful and would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone in Forfar for their support and commitment.
“Together with the other 53 shops throughout Scotland, they have made a valuable contribution to Oxfam’s fight to overcome global poverty and suffering.”
Shirleyann Pager (78) said: “I’ve worked here for 2 to three years and I used to bring a lot of things in to donate.
“I was looking for something to do then Liz asked me to work with her. It has been really fun to be here, not just with my colleagues but the customers that come in as well.
“They like coming in here because the charity is important to them.”
Katherine Law (49), a volunteer at the shop for five years, said: “My mum encouraged me to volunteer and it has been great. It’s very sad for it to close.
“I’ll see all the team on the street, but it won’t be the same.”
Ness Christie (81) said: “I have been a volunteer here for 15 years and I’ve met a lot of great people.
“The customers have been very charitable and I think I’ll miss the team here and the customers the most.
“The customers come back in, time and again, and you make friends. I’m also for Oxfam as a charity because I have lived in Africa and I have seen how important it is.”
Jean Smith (81), who has also worked at the shop for 15 years, said: “I started volunteering here as I had a lot of time on my own and one of my friends said they always need help in Oxfam.
“I really believe in what Oxfam does. You hear of charities where people ask where the money goes, but Oxfam is very careful with its money and I believe in what they do.
“It’s very satisfying volunteering here and you make lots of friends with the volunteers and customers and there is a very cheerful atmosphere in the shop.”