Full Breakdown
British Heart Foundation to Close Around 150 Charity Shops by 2028
6/5/2026, 8:45:56 PM
Planned Closure of 150 Charity Shops
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) will close about 150 charity shops. Roughly 90 stores will shut by the end of March 2025, with the remainder closing by March 2028. Chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said the retail arm faces an “exceptionally challenging trading environment” and that the closures are needed to keep the shop network commercially sustainable.
Background & Context
BHF’s shops have been a key source of funds for cardiovascular disease research, a leading UK cause of death. The closures come as the high street has lost over 6,000 retail premises in five years. Recent Valuation Office Agency data show a net gain of 723 stores in 2025, with 13+ new stores opening weekly and total premises at 507,810; only the North West saw a 41-property decline.
Timeline of Closures
- March 2025: ~90 shops close.
- March 2028: remaining shops close.
- Ongoing: central-team reductions (staff numbers undisclosed).
Impact on Research Funding and Communities
The shop network supplies a key revenue stream for BHF’s cardiovascular disease research. While closures may reduce local volunteer and donor interaction, BHF argues that consolidating stores will preserve overall fundraising capacity.
Official Statements & Responses
BHF’s release said the closures are necessary to keep its retail operation commercially viable and to continue funding its core mission of cardiovascular research. It cited an “exceptionally challenging trading environment”, rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour, thanked affected staff and volunteers, and reaffirmed its commitment to the communities they serve.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The charity has not disclosed how many paid staff or volunteers will lose positions, nor which specific shops will close, leaving a gap in assessing local impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease.” — Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
- “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.” — Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
- “Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives.” — Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
- “We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research.” — Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
What’s Next
BHF will proceed with the closure timetable and has indicated that further information will be released as individual store closures are scheduled.
