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BHF announces closure of 150 stores over two years
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) will close approximately 150 of its charity shops, citing a difficult trading environment driven by rising costs and shifting consumer behavior.
Financial health and rationale
The charity emphasized that its overall financial position remains strong, with continued success in fundraising and legacy income. However, a review of its retail operations revealed that some stores are no longer financially viable.
The BHF operates 640 shops across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The planned closures represent nearly a quarter of its total retail footprint.
Timeline and impact on staff
The closures will occur in phases, with around 90 stores set to shut by the end of March 2027 and the remaining affected locations closing by March 2028. The BHF will publish the list of stores earmarked for closure on its website once staff and volunteers have been informed.
The charity also plans to reduce the size of its central retail support teams.
"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."
Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
Broader retail challenges
The BHF noted that no single factor led to the decision, but rising operating costs and evolving shopping habits played a significant role. The charity highlighted its ongoing efforts to adapt its retail operations, including expanding online sales channels such as its website and eBay.
This move follows a similar decision by Cancer Research UK, which announced plans last year to close around 90 high street shops by May 2025 and up to 100 more by April 2027. The organization also revealed plans to open 12 out-of-town superstores over the next two years, citing rising costs, inflation, reduced footfall, and increased competition from online resale platforms.
Industry-wide pressures
Retailers across the UK have faced mounting financial pressures since April of the previous year, including higher employer National Insurance contributions and increased minimum wages. These factors have compounded the challenges posed by changing consumer habits and economic uncertainty.
