150 shops to close as chain says they are 'no longer financially viable'

The British Heart Foundation has announced plans to close around 150 of its shops and stores over the next two years after a 'detailed review'. The charity says the move comes amid rising operating costs and changing customer habits. A spokesman said: "Some of our shops and stores are no longer financially sustainable." They added: " We have proposed closing around 90 stores by the end of March 2027, and the remainder by March 2028. There is also a proposed reduction in the central teams and functions that support our retail operation. 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." The charity said it will continue to operate a large national network of shops and online retail channels, including selling on eBay and through its website, and will 'continue to evolve retail operations to reflect changing customer shopping behaviours and donor habits in the years ahead'. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, said: “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 “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. “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.” Allison Swaine-Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our success to date has been shaped by the dedication and contribution of our teams across the UK and this has been an incredibly difficult decision following a thorough and careful review. We recognise how challenging this will be especially for colleagues whose roles are affected and we are committed to supporting everyone impacted. “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail. Change is essential so we can continue to serve communities across the UK and raise the funds that power our lifesaving research. This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.” Supporters will still be able to shop as normal and donate items while affected shops remain open. After closures take place, BHF will continue to take donations through nearby shops, donation points, home collection services in some areas, and online post to donate options. The spokesman said: "We will share the locations of the shops and stores earmarked for closure this financial year on our website once all colleagues affected have been personally notified of the proposals."