Cancer Research will close nearly 200 shops and its online marketplace selling pre-loved items within the next two years. The charity will reduce its high street presence to around 320 “high-performing” shops, closing 90 branches by May 2026, and up to 100 more by April 2027.
It said the scale-back was “designed to ensure every pound we raise works harder for our life-saving research.” England will lose the most shops, with 74 locations confirmed so far. Scotland will lose at least ten branches, and Wales and Northern Ireland will lose two branches each. The charity attributed the drastic move to challenges facing many retailers, including higher national insurance contributions, which Rachel Reeves increased in the last Budget.
It also cited inflationary pressures and changing consumer habits, with reduced footfall and growing competition from online resale platforms.
It forms part of its wider plan to reshape its retail arm, which Cancer Research confirmed had contributed £225million over the last ten years to its mission.
The charity will expand its out-of-town network, with 12 new stores set to open over the next two years. However, it will close its online marketplace in early 2026.
It predicted these cuts would allow it to contribute approximately £12.4 million more over the next five years to research.
Michelle Mitchell OBE, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, thanked the charity’s supporters, volunteers and staff for their role and contribution.
They said: “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.”