The British Heart Foundation has announced plans to permanently close 150 of its shops across the United Kingdom over the coming two financial years.
As it stands, the charity runs 640 stores nationwide and the decision to escalating operational expenses and evolving shopping patterns among customers.
Leadership stated that certain locations have become financially unviable to maintain.
Notably, the British Heart Foundation emphasised it would maintain a substantial presence on high streets while continuing to develop its digital sales channels, including its website and eBay platform, to adapt to how customers now prefer to shop and donate.
A major charity is shutting 150 shops
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Under the proposed timeline, approximately 90 shops will shut their doors by the end of March 2027, with the remaining 60 locations following suit by March 2028.
The charity has also put forward plans to reduce its central support teams and functions that underpin the retail operation.
Despite the significant contraction, BHF stressed that its broader financial health remains robust, pointing to continued strong performance in fundraising activities and legacy income streams.
Specific locations earmarked for closure have not yet been disclosed, with the organisation stating it will release this information only after affected staff members have been personally informed of the proposals.
Britain’s high streets have struggled in recent years | PA
Charity shops are also struggling on the high street
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Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the BHF’s Chief Executive, acknowledged the emotional impact the closures would have on those working in affected branches.
She said: “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.” She described the current trading conditions as “exceptionally challenging” for retailers across the sector.
With cardiovascular disease remaining among Britain’s leading causes of death, Dr Griffiths said the charity’s primary focus must be sustaining its life-saving research programmes, necessitating these difficult decisions.
The high street has been hit with store closures in recent months. | PA
Barnardo’s, which operates more than 500 shops across the UK, has experienced similar difficulties, closing several branches in recent weeks.
The children’s charity shut its Kirkham store in Lancashire on 15 May, following the closure of its Chippenham branch on May 2, while the Bishop’s Stortford location ceased trading on 24 May.
Mark Gregory, the managing director of Barnardo’s Trading Company, cited “huge challenges for the UK high street” including heightened operating costs and reduced consumer spending linked to the cost-of-living crisis.
He noted that the proliferation of online platforms selling second-hand clothing has directly affected charity shop revenues.