The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close 87 shops across the UK, the first phase of a broader strategy to shut 150 stores by March 2028. The charity, which operates 652 stores, said a review found some shops are 'no longer financially sustainable' due to rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour.
Closure timeline and affected locations
The 87 stores listed for closure include branches in Armley, Aberdare, Alfreton, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Abingdon, Ashbourne, Bedworth, Burnley, Blyth, Beckenham, Balham, Barnet, Bath, Bangor, Blackpool, Cannock, Clacton, Coalville, Christchurch, Cleveleys, Consett, Chorley, Camden, Crawley, Chesterfield, Chatham, Dunstable, Durham, Dumfries, Dewsbury, Dalkeith, Eastbourne, Elgin, Eccles, Finchley, Falmouth, Fulham, Fakenham, Formby, Grays, High Wycombe, Hawick, Harlow, Harrow, Hammersmith, Hartlepool, Harpurhey, Helston, Hereford, Hull, Hornchurch, Holsworthy, Huyton, Ilkeston, Keighley, Kendal, Long Eaton, Llanelli, Minehead, Newbury, Newton Aycliffe, New Milton, Nuneaton, Newport, Ormskirk, Rayleigh, Perry Barr, Rhyl, Plymouth, Poole, Salford, Salisbury, Shrewsbury, Spalding, South Shields, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield, Swansea, Uckfield, West Bromwich, Worksop, and Wrexham. Many of these are home stores, indicated in the list.
Charity's statement on the closures
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, 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.'
Allison Swaine-Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, added: '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 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.'
Broader retail context
The BHF closures come amid a challenging year for UK retail. Fashion outlet Leading Labels, supermarket chain Morrisons, and Quiz Clothing have all announced shop closures recently. In May, accessories chain Radley closed multiple stores after being bought out of administration by the owner of Poundland. Restaurants including Franco Manca, The Real Greek, Beefeater, and Brewers Fayre have also shut locations across the UK.
