The British Heart Foundation to close Abingdon charity shop

The closures form part of a plan to shut 150 stores over the next two financial years.

The British Heart Foundation described the plan as a “difficult decision” but said it was necessary to ensure its retail network remains commercially sustainable and continues to generate vital funds for life-saving research.

British Heart Foundation store to close in Abingdon

The British Heart Foundation has confirmed all the locations that will close, including Abingdon’s charity shop (36 Bury Street, OX14 3QY).

The full list of 87 British Heart Foundation charity shops set to close by March 2027 is:

The closures have been attributed to rising operating costs and changing customer habits, which have left some stores financially unviable.

They follow a detailed review of the charity’s retail estate and also include a proposed reduction in the central teams and functions that support its retail operation.

Chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, said: “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK.

“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.

“Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives.

“We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s groundbreaking research.”

British Heart Foundation confirms healthy financial position

Despite the reduction in physical locations, the British Heart Foundation said its overall financial position remains healthy, with continuing strong performance across fundraising and legacy income.

It will continue to operate a large national network of shops and online retail channels, including eBay and its website, and evolve its retail operations in line with changing shopping and donation behaviours.

Chief commercial officer at the British Heart Foundation, Allison Swaine-Hughes, said: “Our success to date has been shaped by the dedication and contribution of our teams across the UK and this has been an incredibly difficult decision following a thorough and careful review.

“We recognise how challenging this will be especially for colleagues whose roles are affected and we are committed to supporting everyone impacted.

“We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail.

“Change is essential so we can continue to serve communities across the UK and raise the funds that power our lifesaving research.

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“This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.”

Supporters will be able to continue shopping and donating at affected locations while they remain open.

Following the closures, the charity will continue to accept donations at nearby shops, through donation points, and via its home collection services in some areas.

Online donation options will also remain in place.

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