British Heart Foundation plans to close 150 charity shops

The British Heart Foundation plans to close around 150 of its charity shops over the next two years, citing an 'exceptionally challenging trading environment' [1]. The closures represent nearly a quarter of its current 640-store network [1]. The charity will close approximately 90 stores by the end of March 2027, with the remaining closures completed by March 2028 [1]. It also plans to reduce the central teams supporting its retail operations [1]. Chief Executive Charmaine Griffiths stated, 'Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment' [1]. The BHF emphasized that its overall financial position remains healthy, supported by strong fundraising and legacy income, but said rising operating costs and changing customer habits have rendered some locations unsustainable [1]. The move reflects broader pressures on charity retail. Last year, Cancer Research UK—the world's largest independent cancer research organisation [3]—announced plans to close around 90 High Street shops by May 2024 and up to 100 more by April 2027 [1]. That charity also cited rising costs, inflationary pressures, and shifting consumer habits, including competition from online resale platforms [1]. Charity shops are a critical funding stream for medical research. Cancer Research UK, for instance, raises money through donations, legacies, and retail to fund its work [3]. The BHF stated that closing stores is a necessary step to sustain retail's contribution to funding its 'groundbreaking research' into cardiovascular disease, which remains one of the UK's biggest killers [1]. The BHF will continue to operate online retail channels, including on its website and eBay, as it adapts to changing donor and shopping behaviors [1]. The locations of the closures will be published online after affected staff and volunteers are informed [1].