UK charity shop branch named as first of 150 closures over the next two year

NewsUK NewsHigh street closuresThe charity will close 150 of its 640 stores over a two-year period amid rising operational costs and changes to consumer habits - CEO says that the charity is "facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment"06:50, 03 Jul 2026Updated 06:50, 03 Jul 2026A British high street chain will be the first of 150 stores to close when it shuts its doors this month.‌The British Heart Foundation (BHF) store located in Hawick, Scotland is set to close this month. The branch will be the first charity shop to close after British Heart Foundation announced a string of closures across the UK.‌The charity said in June that it would be closing 150 of its 640 stores over a two-year period due to rising operational costs and changes to consumer habits.‌The Rhyl High Street and Bangor branches have been confirmed as other locations set to shut within the next two years, it is being reported.A branch in Worksop is also earmarked for closure, with The Worksop Guardian reports, with 87 stores having received notice of their closure before the next financial year.‌It is expected that 90 branches will close by March next year under the proposed plans, with the remaining shops set to shut by March 2028."Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK," said British Heart Foundation chief executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths."They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease.‌"We know this will be a difficult time for our dedicated colleagues and volunteers in affected stores and emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve."Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment."Article continues belowEmployees impacted by the closures will be supported by the foundation during the period leading up to the stores shutting, with redeployment opportunities set to occur where possible.Volunteers at the stores are expected to be offered other roles in nearby stores or elsewhere in the charity.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌High street closuresBritish Heart FoundationHeart disease