Future of borough charity shops under threat amid plans to close 150 stores due to sales slump

Credit: bhf.org.uk

The future of two Erewash charity shop branches is under threat after the parent company announced plans to close 150 sites due a reported slump in sales.

The British Heart Foundation has a total of 640 shops across the UK, but has recently reported having faced challenges due to increasing running costs and a change in the habits of customers.

Its reported closure plans will be phased in over the next two financial years, with those affected considered to be “no longer financially sutainable”, with those remaining continuing to generate vital funds for life-saving research.

90 stores will close by the end of March 2027 with the remainder by March 2028, whilst there is also a proposed reduction in the central teams and functions that support the retail operation of the charity.

A statement moved to address any concerns about the charity’s financial state. It said: “Our overall financial position remains healthy, with continuing strong performance across fundraising and legacy income.

“We will continue to operate a large national network of shops and online retail channels, including eBay and our website, and will continue to evolve retail operations to reflect changing customer shopping behaviours and donor habits in the years ahead.”

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, 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.”

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, 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. This is about protecting our mission for the long term, even when the decisions in the shorter term are hard.”

The early-June statement said that the locations of the shops and stores earmarked for closure this financial year will be shared once all colleagues affected have been personally notified of the proposals.

Erewash has British Heart Foundation branches on the Market Place, Long Eaton and on Bath Street, Ilkeston. There is also a Furniture and Electrical Store at Eaton Court in Long Eaton.