The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced the first wave of permanent shop closures, with 87 branches set to shut across the UK, including six in Wales. The charity revealed in June that it would close 150 outlets over two years, and this initial phase marks the beginning of that plan.
Closure Timeline and Impact
The BHF aims to close approximately 90 stores by the end of March 2027, with the remaining closures completed by March 2028. The charity also proposed reducing teams and functions that support its retail operations. The affected stores include locations in Aberdare, Bangor, Llanelli, Rhyl, Swansea, and Wrexham in Wales.
Reasons for Closures
The BHF operates more than 600 shops across the UK, but increasing running costs and evolving consumer behaviour have driven the decision to shut certain locations. The charity stated that the changes "are designed to ensure our retail network remains strong and sustainable, contributing vital funds to power research into cardiovascular disease, which cause around one death every three minutes in the UK." It added that "our overall financial position remains healthy, with continuing strong performance across fundraising and legacy income."
Support for Affected Staff and Volunteers
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK. Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment." She expressed gratitude to staff and volunteers affected and confirmed that workers would receive support throughout the process. Those impacted are expected to be offered redeployment opportunities where available, with volunteers being offered positions in neighbouring shops or other areas within the charity.
Full List of Closing Branches
The 87 branches closing include: Armley (Leeds), 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 (Isle of Wight), 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, Worksop Home Store, and Wrexham Home Store.
