The British Heart Foundation is closing about 150 stores as costs rise and online shopping grows. This page breaks down why the closures are happening, how they affect fundraising, and what charities are doing to adapt in 2026. Read on for quick answers to the questions people are asking about charity store closures and online fundraising shifts.
The BHF is closing around 150 high-street shops due to rising costs and a shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping. The charity reported a sharp drop in net profit—from £18.8m in 2024 to £3.6m in the year ending 31 March 2025—while maintaining overall income around £181m in 2025. This has led to a strategic review and central job cuts alongside store closures, with about 90 stores slated to close by next March and the rest by 2028.
Online shopping is changing how charities raise funds. Retail footfall is down in many high-street locations, pushing charities to adapt by boosting digital fundraising, online marketplaces, and donor engagement through digital channels. While physical stores once drove major donations and visibility, charities are increasingly relying on online appeals, events, and e-commerce partnerships to sustain income as brick-and-mortar performance tightens.
Store closures can affect local access to charitable services and community fundraising hubs. Neighborhoods with a high density of BHF shops may see reduced in-person volunteering opportunities and volunteer-based fundraising. The broader impact depends on how well online channels and nearby stores fill the gap, as well as how redeployed staff and community partnerships compensate for the reduced physical footprint.
Charities are diversifying revenue by accelerating digital fundraising, expanding online shopping partnerships, and optimizing store portfolios to balance reach with cost. They’re investing in data-driven donor engagement, increasing online donation options, and leveraging community partnerships and fundraising events to maintain resilience amid rising costs and changing consumer habits.
Yes, many charities are re-evaluating their retail networks in light of cost pressures and online competition. While BHF explicitly outlined a heavy store closure plan, sector-wide reviews are common as organizations seek to protect charitable spend and ensure long-term sustainability. Expect more emphasis on digital fundraising and selective store consolidation rather than blanket closures.
BHF is likely to reallocate resources from closed stores into more cost-efficient channels, including online fundraising, digital campaigns, and central operations. The aim is to preserve charitable spend by reducing overheads and focusing on high-impact fundraising activities while maintaining patient and research support funded by remaining income streams.
The organisation said the proposals follow a review process