Cancer Research UK is set to close 90 shops this month, with Birmingham locations among those affected. The charity confirmed that stores on Erdington High Street and Cotteridge will shut in May, following a wave of closures in April.
Closure Details
On Friday, May 9, the charity closed its Aberdeen store. In Birmingham, the affected shops are at 245 High Street, Erdington (B23 6SS) and 20 Watford Road, Cotteridge (B30 1JA). These closures are part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of high street locations from 600 to 320 over the next couple of years.
Reasons for Closures
Cancer Research UK cited higher national insurance contributions, inflation pressures, and changing customer habits as key factors. The charity expects around 600 staff and up to 3,000 volunteers to be impacted nationally. It plans to help affected employees find new jobs or volunteering opportunities where possible.
Future Plans
Despite the closures, the charity aims to open 12 new 'superstores' by 2028. Its online marketplace shut at the beginning of 2026. Chief Executive Michelle Mitchell stated: "Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we'll fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers."
An insider told The Sun: "It's heartbreaking. We've given years of our life to this charity and now we're being thrown away."
