In a significant move prompted by rising operational costs and a growing preference for online shopping, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close approximately 150 of its charity shops across the UK. This decision follows a dramatic decline in net profits, which fell from £18.8 million in 2024 to just £3.6 million in the year ending 31 March 2025. The charity’s review of its retail operations revealed that nearly a quarter of its high street locations are no longer financially viable.
Financial Challenges and Job Cuts
Charmaine Griffiths, the chief executive of BHF, acknowledged the severe challenges facing retailers today. “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment,” she stated. Griffiths expressed deep gratitude towards the staff and volunteers at affected stores, recognising the difficult circumstances they are about to face.
As part of this restructuring, BHF will not only close stores but also reduce jobs within its central operations, which support retail functions. Currently, the charity employs around 3,700 people across its retail network and 795 at its headquarters, bringing the total workforce to approximately 4,545. The charity’s current wage and pension expenses amount to £136 million, with 180 staff members earning £60,000 or more annually.
Planned Store Closures
The charity’s strategy involves shutting down 90 of its shops by the end of March 2027, with the remaining closures scheduled for the following year. Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF’s chief commercial officer, emphasised the necessity of these tough decisions: “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail. This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.”
Despite these closures, BHF maintains that its overall financial health remains stable. However, the percentage of income dedicated to charitable activities has seen a decline. In 2025, the charity reported total income of £181 million but an almost £9 million drop in net income after direct costs, bringing it down to £129.6 million.
Implications for Charitable Activities
The proportion of income allocated to BHF’s charitable work dropped from 77% to 72% over the past year, although it still surpasses their target of 70% for every pound spent on lifesaving initiatives. Griffiths reaffirmed the charity’s commitment to funding vital research into cardiovascular disease, which remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK. “Our priority is funding research to save lives,” she said, underscoring the importance of the retail operations in supporting these efforts.
Why it Matters
The British Heart Foundation’s decision to close a significant number of its charity shops highlights the broader challenges facing the retail sector, particularly for charities reliant on physical sales. The shift towards online shopping is reshaping how charities operate and fund their critical missions. As BHF navigates these turbulent waters, the long-term sustainability of its life-saving research initiatives hangs in the balance, illustrating the vital connection between retail operations and charitable outcomes. The loss of these shops not only impacts employment but also threatens the funding of essential health research that benefits countless lives.
