Major UK charity shop to close 150 branches over next 18 months in new high street blow

The British Heart Foundation has announced the closure of 150 of its charity shops across the UK, with the first 90 set to close by March 2027. The remaining 60 are expected to shutter by March 2028.

A leading UK charity shop has revealed plans to shut 150 of its outlets. It’s anticipated that the initial 90 branches will close permanently by March 2027, with the remainder following suit by March the year after.

British Heart Foundation, which operates 640 shops nationwide, has revealed the closures owing to escalating costs and evolving shopping patterns. Chiefs stated the charity is confronting an “exceptionally challenging trading environment” but have pledged to maintain their “groundbreaking research”. Staff at the affected outlets will receive support from the charity, with redeployment possibilities offered wherever feasible.

The move to shut the shops follows an assessment of the charity’s retail operations. It stated that some outlets are no longer economically viable due to mounting expenses.

The British Heart Foundation will maintain its online presence to generate funds. They explained their expanded digital operations, including an official eBay shop, mirrors shifting consumer behaviours.

The closure announcement emerges as the UK charity retail sector continues to encounter mounting challenges. Cancer Research UK has previously revealed intentions to shut 190 outlets by 2027, while Barnardo’s has similarly been compelled to close loss-making branches this year, reports the Express.

‘Exceptionally challenging trading environment’ Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive, stated: “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK. They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease

“We know this will be a difficult time for our dedicated colleagues and volunteers in affected stores and emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve.

“Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives. We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research.”

Allison Swaine-Hughes, chief commercial officer, added: “Our success to date has been shaped by the dedication and contribution of our teams across the UK and this has been an incredibly difficult decision following a thorough and careful review. We recognise how challenging this will be especially for colleagues whose roles are affected and we are committed to supporting everyone impacted.

“We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail. Change is essential so we can continue to serve communities across the UK and raise the funds that power our lifesaving research. This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.”