British Heart Foundation to close 150 shops by 2028

The British Heart Foundation has announced plans to close approximately 150 of its charity shops across the United Kingdom over the next two years, citing rising operating costs and shifting consumer habits. The closures will affect nearly a quarter of the charity's 640-store national network.

According to the charity, a detailed review of its retail operations concluded that some locations are no longer financially sustainable. The proposed plan would see around 90 stores close by the end of March 2027, with the remaining closures completed by March 2028. The charity also stated there will be a reduction in the central teams that support its retail operation.

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, the charity's chief executive, acknowledged the impact of the decision. She said the shops are important community hubs for colleagues, volunteers, and the public. She emphasized that the organization is facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment similar to other retailers. The charity's stated priority remains funding research into cardiovascular disease, which it notes is one of the UK's biggest killers, responsible for approximately one death every three minutes.