The British Heart Foundation has confirmed the first 87 store closures in a plan to shut 150 branches over the next two years. The charity, which operates more than 600 shops across the UK, said rising operational costs and shifting consumer behaviour had forced the decision.
CEO Cites Challenging Trading Environment
"Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment," said British Heart Foundation chief executive Dr. Charmaine Griffiths. She added that the charity is grateful to staff and volunteers affected and pledged support throughout the process. Affected employees will be offered redeployment where possible, and volunteers will be directed to nearby stores or other roles within the charity.
Full List of 87 Closing Stores
According to The Sun, the closures include branches in Armley, Aberdare, Alfreton, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Abingdon, Ashbourne, Alfreton (Home Store), Bedworth, Burnley, Blyth, Beckenham, Balham, Barnet, Bath, Brighton (Home Store), Bangor, Blackpool, Cannock, Clacton, Coalville, Christchurch, Cleveleys, Consett, Chorley, Camden, Crawley (Home Store), Chesterfield, Chatham (Home Store), Dunstable, Durham, Dumfries, Dewsbury, Dalkeith, Dumfries (Home Store), Eastbourne, Elgin, Eccles, Finchley, Falmouth, Fulham, Fakenham, Formby, Grays, High Wycombe, Hawick, Harlow, Hammersmith, Huyton, Hornchurch, Helston, Holsworthy, Hartlepool (Home Store), Harpurhey (Home Store), Hull (Home Store), Hereford, Harrow (Home Store), Ilkeston, Keighley, Kendal, Long Eaton, Long Eaton (Home Store), Llanelli (Home Store), Minehead, Newbury, Newton Aycliffe, New Milton, Nuneaton (Home Store), Newport, Ormskirk, Plymouth, Poole (Home Store), Perry Barr (Home Store), Rhyl, Rayleigh, Shrewsbury, Spalding, South Shields, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Swansea, Salford (Home Store), Salisbury, Sutton Coldfield, Uckfield, West Bromwich (CLR), Worksop (Home Store), and Wrexham (Home Store).
Impact on Communities and Staff
Dr. Griffiths noted that the shops mean a lot to colleagues, volunteers, and communities. The closures are expected to be completed by April 2027. The charity will work to redeploy staff where possible and find alternative roles for volunteers.
