One charity has announced plans to close almost 200 of its high street charity shops across the UK over the course of the next 18 months, with some shoppers claiming they they know why
Charity shop customers have been stunned by the news that one of Britain’s most popular high street names is preparing to shut almost 200 branches nationwide over the next 18 months. Cancer Research UK, which was established following the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in 2002, presently operates over 600 stores throughout the UK.
“In response to the changing external and retail landscape, we’ve developed a new plan to reshape our retail operations so that we raise more money for life-saving cancer research and give customers, supporters, staff and volunteers a better experience,” a statement from Cancer Research UK read this week.
It added: “Over the next two years, we will reduce the size of our core high street chain to around 320 high-performing shops. This means closing around 90 shops by May 2026, with up to 100 more by April 2027.”
Nevertheless, there is some positive news, as the charity reveals it intends to launch 12 new out-of-town superstores during the coming two years.
In a TikTok clip, one charity shop enthusiast and reseller debated whether Cancer Research UK’s decision should come as a shock.
“There are a number of reasons why they say are doing this in their statement, but there is an underlying fact is that it’s a big admission that their current business model in the charity shops is not working and not profitable,” Kev claimed the charity’s actions.
Kev, who works as a reseller, alleged that despite charity shops receiving “way more donations” than before, items aren’t selling due to prices increasing at a rate higher than the income being generated. He urged: “Get that stock, get it on the floor and get it at a price that it will head out of the door. I just don’t know why they are pricing things at particularly prices they are just simply not going to get.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user criticised the current charity shop climate: “Too expensive in my opinion. People want a bargain and not paying next to new prices for 2nd hand!”
Another shared their experience: “£6 for a Primark T-shirt that was £4 new.”
A third person admitted: “Not shocking at all. They all put crazy prices on things and the only people who do well are resellers.”
While a fourth TikTok user confessed: “Sadly all the charity shops in my area are super expensive. I literally can’t afford to shop in them. I used to love going round them for a bargain. I don’t bother now as the prices make me feel poor.”
And a fifth detailed an incident they’d witnessed: “Lady in a charity shop today had a row over a handbag priced at £195. In a charity shop. It was given to them for nothing. Sell it for 50 quid and get money in the till. It’s 100 percent profit.”
However, Danielle, a charity shop expert, is left baffled by the closure trend, pointing out that the demand for second-hand clothing is currently at an all-time high.
“First it was Scope announcing they were closing nearly half of their shops and now it is Cancer Research UK closing 200 stores – and by 2026 they’ve said they are no longer going to be selling online,” she began in a video.
“Why is this?” Danielle queried. “Pre-loved clothing has never been more popular, and yet charity shops are struggling to make a profit. They should be thriving – demand for pre-loved clothes has never been stronger.”
Danielle concluded by suggesting that competition from online resale apps may have contributed to the downfall of charity shops – though this could be partly the fault of the shops themselves.
“The charity shops are putting themselves in competition with Vinted because of their pricing,” she declared. “If they weren’t trying to sell them for the same price people could buy them online and delivered to their door for way less effort, then I think they would get much more customers in the door buying things.”
Michelle Mitchell OBE, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, commented on the closure plans earlier this week: “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.”