Cancer Research UK to close 88 High Street shops as network shrinks

Cancer Research UK said it will close 88 of its High Street shops across the United Kingdom by May 2026, the first stage of a programme that will see a further 100 stores shut by April 2027 as the charity reshapes its retail operation. The closures will affect towns and cities across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, including Birmingham, Derby and Glasgow, and a number of Lincolnshire branches, the charity said.

The charity attributed the closures to a combination of reduced footfall in town centres, rising costs including higher National Insurance contributions, inflationary pressures and growing competition from online resale platforms. Cancer Research UK said these trends have left many shops at risk of becoming unprofitable unless its retail footprint is reduced and refocused.

Approximately 600 staff members and up to 3,000 volunteers who currently support the charity through its shops are likely to be affected, the organisation said. Cancer Research UK stated it will prioritise redeployment where possible and provide help finding alternative paid roles or volunteer positions for those who cannot be moved into different posts. The charity also published a list...