The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has proposed closing approximately 150 shops over the next two financial years, citing rising operating costs and shifting customer behaviour.
The organisation said a review of its retail estate identified several locations that are no longer financially viable.
Around 90 stores are set to shut by the end of March 2027, with the remainder closing by March 2028.
BHF CEO Charmaine Griffiths said: “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers, and our priority is funding research to save lives. We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research.”
BHF also put forward proposals to reduce the size of the central teams and functions that support its retail operations.
The organisation said the restructuring is aimed at keeping its retail network commercially sustainable so it can continue directing funds towards cardiovascular disease research.
It noted that the condition is responsible for roughly one death every three minutes in the UK.
Despite the planned closures, BHF said its broader financial position remains sound, with fundraising and legacy income both performing strongly.
The charity will maintain a national shop network alongside its online retail presence, including its website and eBay channels, as it looks to align operations with evolving shopping and donation patterns.
Supporters will be able to continue using affected stores until they close.
Once closures take effect, the BHF said donations can still be made through neighbouring shops, designated donation points, home collection services in select areas, and an online postal donation service.
Details of shops earmarked for closure in the current financial year will be published on its website after affected staff have been notified.
Griffiths added: “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.”
