The British Heart Foundation has named the first 87 shops it will close across the UK, part of a plan to shut 150 stores by 2028, blaming rising costs and shifting shopping habits that have left some branches “no longer financially sustainable”.
The charity, which currently runs 652 shops, said it will close around 90 stores by the end of March 2027 and the remaining 60 by March 2028. The announcement follows a review that found the retail network needed to shrink to survive. Despite the closures, the BHF insists its “overall financial position remains healthy” and that the changes are “designed to ensure our retail network remains strong and sustainable”.
“British Heart Foundation to close 87 shops, first of 150 over two years, due to rising costs and changing habits.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, the charity’s chief executive, acknowledged the blow to staff and volunteers. “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK,” she said. “They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease.” But, she added, “like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.”
The affected workers will be offered redeployment where possible, and volunteers will be directed to neighbouring shops or other roles. Allison Swaine-Hughes, the group’s chief commercial officer, described the decision as “incredibly difficult” but necessary. “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail,” she said. “Change is essential so we can continue to serve communities across the UK and raise the funds that power our lifesaving research.”
The wave of closures comes as other high‑street names also retreat. Fashion outlet Leading Labels, supermarket chain Morrisons, Quiz Clothing, accessories brand Radley, and restaurant groups Franco Manca, The Real Greek, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre have all announced closures in recent months.
For the BHF, which funds research into cardiovascular disease – a condition that causes around one death every three minutes in the UK – the cuts are a painful but, the charity says, necessary step to protect its long‑term mission. The question now is how many more high‑street lifelines will vanish before the tide turns.