Cancer Research UK will close 190 charity shops across the United Kingdom by April 2027 as the organization restructures its retail network and shifts its focus toward funding cancer research.
The closures will reduce the charity’s store presence from more than 500 locations at its peak to around 390 remaining shops, marking one of the biggest changes to its high street operations.
Charity Giant Begins Major Retail Restructuring
Founded in 2002 through the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and The Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Research UK operates charity shops that sell donated clothing, books, technology, and other goods to raise money for research.
According to The Street, the charity reported raising £696 million during the 2025-2026 financial year, with £140 million generated through trading activities and most funding coming from donations.
The organization said the planned closures are part of a wider restructuring strategy aimed at adapting its retail model while directing more resources toward its research work.
Two of its three major warehouses, located near Fleet and Warrington, are also scheduled to close by April 2027. One of these facilities supported the charity’s online retail operations.
Cancer Research UK Warns Smaller Stores Face Profit Pressure
The charity has said that changes are needed to protect its long-term financial position and prevent some smaller locations from becoming unsustainable.
In its annual report, Cancer Research UK wrote: “This provision includes £5.6 million in respect of retail shops that are planned to close, as well as the closure of the warehouse that supported the sale of goods through online retail platforms,”
The report added: “[…] The provision is expected to be utilised [British spelling] within the next one to two years, subject to negotiations with landlords.”
Cancer Research UK CEO Michelle Mitchell previously said that “without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable.”
Charity Retailers Move Toward Larger Stores
While smaller shops are being closed, Cancer Research UK plans to continue expanding its larger superstores outside major cities.
The charity has opened these larger-format locations since 2021, with 12 currently operating across the country. These stores offer more space for donated goods and are designed to support higher-volume retail activity.
The shift follows a broader change across the British charity retail sector. Organizations including Oxfam and the British Heart Foundation have also closed smaller locations while focusing on larger stores and warehouse operations.
Store Closures Will Continue Through 2027
The exact locations affected by the Cancer Research UK closures have not yet been announced, though the shutdowns have already begun during 2026 and will continue into 2027.
The charity’s remaining network is expected to include around 390 stores after the closure program is completed.
