In a significant blow to its retail operations, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close approximately 150 charity shops across the UK and implement job cuts. This decision comes in response to soaring costs and a shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping, rendering nearly a quarter of the charity’s high street locations economically unviable. The charity’s net profit plummeted from £18.8 million in 2024 to just £3.6 million for the year ending on 31 March 2025.
Financial Review Triggers Store Closures
The BHF conducted a thorough review of its retail arm, which employs nearly 3,700 staff members, following a troubling decline in profitability. Chief Executive Charmaine Griffiths acknowledged the challenging trading environment facing the charity, stating, “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.” Griffiths expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the affected colleagues and volunteers for their contributions to the charity and the communities it serves.
The charity, which recently awarded Griffiths a £35,000 salary increase—bringing her annual pay to £268,239—also plans to reduce roles within its central support functions. Overall, the BHF employs 795 individuals at its head office, with a total workforce of 4,545, which equates to 3,692 full-time equivalent positions.
Rising Costs and Job Cuts
The BHF’s financial burdens include a staggering wage and pension bill that reached £136 million last year. The charity’s latest annual report reveals that 180 employees earn £60,000 or more. In light of these financial pressures, the BHF intends to close 90 stores by the end of March next year, with the remaining shops to follow by March the year after.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, the charity’s Chief Commercial Officer, stressed the need for immediate action to ensure the sustainability of BHF’s retail operations. “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail,” she stated. “This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.”
Financial Health Amidst Challenges
Despite these setbacks, the BHF maintains that its overall financial position remains stable. However, the proportion of income allocated to charitable work has decreased. The charity reported total income of £181 million in 2025, yet it experienced a drop of almost £9 million in net income after accounting for direct costs, settling at £129.6 million.
The organisation noted that the percentage of income dedicated to charitable activities fell from 77% to 72%, although it still exceeds the benchmark of allocating 70% of every pound towards lifesaving efforts. Griffiths reaffirmed the charity’s commitment to funding vital research, stating, “Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives.” The closure of certain shops, she explained, is a necessary step to ensure that retail contributions can continue to support BHF’s groundbreaking research initiatives.
Why it Matters
The impending closure of these charity shops highlights a broader trend affecting non-profit organisations in an increasingly digital marketplace. As consumer habits evolve, charities like the BHF are faced with the daunting task of balancing financial viability with their philanthropic missions. The decisions made today will not only impact the charity’s immediate operations but will also shape its ability to continue funding crucial health research in the future. As the BHF navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of its financial strategies will resonate far beyond its storefronts, potentially affecting countless lives reliant on its services and research initiatives.
