The British Heart Foundation (BHF) announced plans to shut 87 shops across the UK, the first wave of 150 closures planned over the next two years. The charity, which operates 652 stores, previously revealed a review found some shops are 'no longer financially sustainable' due to rising costs and changing customer habits.
Closure Timeline and Scope
BHF plans to close 90 branches by the end of March 2027 and the remaining 60 by March 2028. The move, according to the charity, will 'ensure our retail network remains strong and sustainable.' The 87 stores set to close include locations in Armley, Aberdare, Alfreton, Alfreton (Home Store), Ashton-Under-Lyne, Abingdon, Ashbourne, Bedworth, Burnley, Blyth, Beckenham, Balham, Barnet, Bath (Home Store), Bangor, Blackpool, Cannock, Clacton, Coalville, Christchurch, Cleveleys, Consett, Chorley, Camden, Crawley (Home Store), Chesterfield, Chatham (Home Store), Dunstable, Durham, Dumfries, Dumfries (Home Store), Dewsbury, Dalkeith, Eastbourne, Elgin, Eccles, Finchley, Falmouth, Fulham, Fakenham, Formby, Grays, High Wycombe, Hawick, Harlow, Harrow (Home Store), Hammersmith, Hartlepool (Home Store), Harpurhey (Home Store), Helston, Hereford, Hull (Home Store), Hornchurch, Holsworthy, Huyton, Ilkeston, Keighley, Kendal, Long Eaton, Long Eaton (Home Store), Llanelli (Home Store), Minehead, Newbury, Newton Aycliffe, New Milton, Nuneaton (Home Store), Newport, Ormskirk, Rayleigh, Perry Barr (Home Store), Rhyl, Plymouth, Poole (Home Store), Salford (Home Store), Salisbury, Shrewsbury, Spalding, South Shields, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield, Swansea, Uckfield, West Bromwich (CLR), Worksop (Home Store), and Wrexham (Home Store).
Charity's Response
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s Chief Executive, 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. We know this will be a difficult time for our dedicated colleagues and volunteers in affected stores and emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve.'
Allison Swaine-Hughes, the group’s Chief Commercial Officer, added: 'Our success to date has been shaped by the dedication and contribution of our teams across the UK and this has been an incredibly difficult decision following a thorough and careful review. We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail. Change is essential so we can continue to serve communities across the UK and raise the funds that power our lifesaving research. This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.'
Context of Retail Closures
The news comes during a tough year for shop closures. Over the last few months, fashion outlet Leading Labels and Morrisons have both announced shop closures, and Quiz Clothing finished shutting its remaining UK stores. In May, UK accessories chain Radley announced multiple store closures after being bought out of administration by the owner of Poundland. It’s not just shops that have been affected. Franco Manca and The Real Greek both announced closures across the UK, as did Beefeater and Brewers Faye restaurants.
