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High street charity shop to close 190 UK stores as part of major restructuring plan

By Rachel Williams

Copyright dailyrecord

High street charity shop to close 190 UK stores as part of major restructuring plan

There’s been quite a few closures for the UK high street recently. Rising rent rates, inflation and changing shopping habits are just some of the reasons a few stores have permanently closed. One of the latest to announce a sweep of closures is Cancer Research, with the high street charity shop set to close almost 200 sites after a “comprehensive” review of its retail operations. The UK’s leading cancer charity is said to currently operate around 600 UK stores, but its new plans will see it reduce its core chain to around 320 high-performing high street shops over the next two years. The first wave of closures will see 90 shops shuttered by May 2026, with a further 100 more closing down by April in 2027, although the full list of locations affected has not yet been revealed. Rising costs, inflationary pressures, and shifting consumer habits, alongside higher national insurance contributions, reduced footfall on the high street, and increasing online competition were named as factors for the closures. Additionally, the firm has also confirmed it will be closing its online marketplace in early 2026, meaning customers will no longer be able to buy pre-loved items on reselling platforms. In response, the new retail plan will see Cancer Research “reshape” its retail operations, allowing it “to invest more money in life-saving cancer research and provide a better experience for customers, supporters, volunteers and staff.” According to the charity, its move will also allow it to see an increase in financial contribution by approximately £12.4 million over the next five years, meaning “more money will be available to invest in life-saving cancer research”. The new plans also include some good news, as the charity is also planning to open a total of 12 new out-of-town superstores, with the larger format stores meeting increasing demand for spacious, value-focused shopping experiences. Cancer Research has said it will remain a prominent position on the high street, with its higher performing, smaller network of stores raising more money to aid the charity in its mission. Chief executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell OBE said: “I am deeply grateful to our dedicated supporters, volunteers and staff for their role and contribution in beating cancer together. “Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we will fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers. “This news will be difficult. Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes, and will provide clear information and support throughout the process.” Poundland is another retailer in the midst of a major restructuring plan, with the discounter confirming it would be closing a total of 68 stores across the UK this year following its sale to the Gordon Brothers for £1 in April. Meanwhile, Starbucks recently announced the closure of “some UK stores” following a global review of its chains, although it will mostly affect Northern American branches. JD Sports is also said to be closing down a total of 50 branches worldwide, with the popular sportswear firm said to have already shuttered 13 stores across the UK .