The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close approximately 150 of its charity shops and cut jobs, citing rising costs and a shift to online shopping that have rendered about a quarter of its high street locations commercially unsustainable.
The charity conducted a review of its retail arm, which employs nearly 3,700 staff, after net profit across its 640 UK stores plummeted from £18.8 million in 2024 to £3.6 million in the year to 31 March 2025. Chief executive Charmaine Griffiths described the trading environment as 'exceptionally challenging' and expressed gratitude to affected colleagues and volunteers.
BHF intends to close 90 stores by the end of March 2026 and the remainder by March 2027. The charity also plans to cut jobs in central functions supporting its retail operation. Chief commercial officer Allison Swaine-Hughes said the move is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail and protect its long-term mission.
Despite the closures, BHF reported that its overall financial position 'remains healthy', with total income of £181 million in 2025. However, net income after direct costs fell by nearly £9 million to £129.6 million, and the proportion of income allocated to charitable activities dropped from 77% to 72%, still above its 70% benchmark.
Griffiths, who received a £35,000 pay rise to £268,239 this financial year, emphasised that funding research to save lives remains the priority. The charity's wage and pension bill reached £136 million last year, with 180 staff earning £60,000 or more.
