Following a comprehensive review of its business model, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced significant changes to its retail network. Approximately 150 stores are scheduled to permanently close over the next two years, a decision driven by rising structural overheads and evolving consumer patterns.
Phased Closure Plan
The initial phase of the restructuring will see around 90 stores shut their doors before spring 2027. The remaining locations earmarked for closure will follow by spring 2028. A BHF spokesman stated: "Some of our shops and stores are no longer financially sustainable. We have proposed closing around 90 stores by the end of March 2027, and the remainder by March 2028."
Impact on Staff and Operations
There is also a proposed reduction in central teams and functions that support the retail operation. The charity emphasised that these changes are designed to ensure its retail network remains strong and sustainable, contributing vital funds to research into cardiovascular disease, which causes around one death every three minutes in the UK.
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."
Allison Swaine-Hughes, chief commercial officer, added: "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."
Continued Presence and Support
A presence across the country will be maintained through the company's remaining physical sites alongside its online platforms. The charity confirmed it intends to continually adjust its commercial strategy to align with how people choose to buy goods and donate items moving forward.
Customers can continue to use the branches throughout the transition period while the affected outlets wind down their operations. Once the regional sites close, alternative avenues for dropping off goods will remain open via neighbouring storefronts, localised collection bins, select home pick-up networks, and postal services.
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."
