The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to shutter approximately 150 of its charity shops across the UK, a decision driven by escalating operational costs and a significant shift towards online shopping. This move follows a comprehensive review of its retail operations, which revealed a dramatic decline in profits, prompting the charity to reassess its high street presence.
Declining Profits Prompt Action
The charity’s financial performance has taken a sharp downturn, with net profits plummeting from £18.8 million in 2024 to just £3.6 million for the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2025. This alarming trend signals a challenging retail environment, mirroring difficulties faced by many physical retailers as consumer preferences increasingly tilt towards online platforms.
Charmaine Griffiths, CEO of BHF, acknowledged the tough circumstances, stating, “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.” She expressed deep gratitude to the staff and volunteers who have tirelessly supported the foundation, recognising the emotional toll this decision will have on those affected.
Job Cuts and Strategic Changes
In conjunction with the shop closures, BHF is also set to reduce its workforce in various central functions that support its retail operations. The charity, which employs nearly 3,700 individuals, anticipates these changes will help maintain financial stability moving forward. Interestingly, while the charity’s leadership has made the difficult decision to cut jobs, Griffiths received a salary increase of £35,000, bringing her annual earnings to £268,239. This has raised eyebrows among stakeholders, especially when coupled with the announcement of widespread job losses.
The charity’s wage and pension expenditures reached £136 million last year, with 180 employees earning above £60,000. Despite these financial pressures, BHF maintains that its overall financial health remains robust, although the proportion of income directed towards charitable activities has declined.
Future of BHF’s Retail Operations
BHF plans to close 90 of its shops by the end of March 2027, with the remaining locations to follow suit by March 2028. Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the necessity of these actions, stating, “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail.” The charity is committed to preserving its mission of funding vital research into cardiovascular diseases, which continue to be a leading cause of death in the UK.
Despite the setbacks, BHF reported a total income of £181 million for 2025, though it experienced a nearly £9 million dip in net income after direct costs were accounted for, resulting in £129.6 million. The charity noted that the proportion of income available for charitable purposes decreased to 72%, down from 77% the previous year, yet still above its benchmark of allocating 70p of every pound towards life-saving initiatives.
Why it Matters
The decision by the British Heart Foundation to close numerous charity shops underscores the broader challenges facing the retail sector, particularly for non-profit organisations reliant on in-person donations and sales. As consumer habits evolve, charities must adapt to ensure their survival and continue funding essential health research. The impact on local communities and the jobs of dedicated workers is profound, highlighting the delicate balance between organisational sustainability and the social missions these charities strive to uphold.
