In a significant move that underscores the challenging landscape for charity retailers, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced plans to close approximately 150 of its charity shops across the UK. This decision comes in response to soaring costs and a marked shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping, rendering nearly a quarter of its high street locations financially unviable.
A Decline in Profits
The charity’s financial review revealed a dramatic drop in net profits, plummeting from £18.8 million in 2024 to just £3.6 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. Charmaine Griffiths, the BHF’s chief executive, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the charity, stating, “Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.” She expressed heartfelt recognition for the commitment of the charity’s staff and volunteers who have tirelessly supported the organisation and the communities it serves.
The BHF, which boasts a workforce of nearly 3,700, will not only close shops but also implement job cuts within central functions supporting its retail operations. The charity employs 795 staff at its headquarters and has a total of 4,545 employees, translating to about 3,692 full-time equivalent positions.
Financial Pressures and Future Plans
With an annual wage and pension bill reaching £136 million, the BHF is under increasing pressure to manage its financial commitments. The latest annual report indicates that 180 staff members earn £60,000 or more. Despite these challenges, the charity reported a healthy overall financial position, albeit with a decrease in the proportion of income allocated to charitable activities. In 2025, total income stood at £181 million, but net income after direct costs fell by nearly £9 million to £129.6 million. Consequently, the share of income designated for charitable work declined from 77% to 72%, still above the benchmark of 70% that the charity aims for.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF’s chief commercial officer, emphasised the necessity of these closures, stating, “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.” The charity plans to close 90 shops by the end of March 2027, with the remainder following by March 2028.
Commitment to Research
Despite the difficult circumstances, Griffiths reaffirmed the BHF’s commitment to its core mission: funding research to combat cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death in the UK. “We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing need for resources to support life-saving initiatives.
Why it Matters
The closures of BHF shops represent a broader trend affecting many charities and retailers in the face of shifting consumer habits and increasing operational costs. As the charity sector grapples with these challenges, the impact will be felt not only by the thousands of employees facing uncertainty but also by the communities reliant on these services. The British Heart Foundation’s tough decisions today are pivotal in ensuring its future viability and its continued fight against cardiovascular disease, underscoring the delicate balance between financial sustainability and charitable mission in an evolving retail landscape.
