Last reviewed: 30 May 2026
Cancer Research UK, the UK's largest cancer research charity, is closing 88 of its high street shops by May 2026 as it responds to rising operating costs. Reports of around 100 further closures have not been formally confirmed by the charity. Donors and shoppers will see fewer branches across town centres in the coming weeks.
Why the closures are happening
The British charity retail sector is under pressure from the same forces hitting commercial retailers: rising National Insurance contributions, business rates, energy costs, and shrinking donation supplies as resale apps like Vinted attract donors directly. Barnardo's, another major charity retailer with more than 500 shops, has separately confirmed closures, explicitly citing high street challenges. The pattern affects the third sector as much as the private sector.
What it means for donors
Donors with bagged donations at home should check the location of their nearest remaining branch before making the trip. Most major charities accept donations by post or through home collection schemes. Anyone who has registered for Gift Aid with Cancer Research UK should ensure their record is updated if they move shop. Gift Aid worth 25 per cent of the donation value is claimed from HMRC by the charity, and continuity matters.
Alternatives for unwanted goods
Other charity networks include the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, the Salvation Army, Sue Ryder, Mind, Age UK and Scope. Local hospices typically run shop networks too. Anyone selling on resale apps can also donate proceeds directly to charity, often with Gift Aid uplift if the charity offers a relevant scheme. Cancer Research UK's online donation channel remains unaffected by the shop closures.
Volunteer impact
Charity shops are staffed largely by volunteers, with a small paid manager presence. Volunteers at closing branches are typically offered transfers to other locations where capacity allows. Volunteers who lose their role should retain a written reference and check eligibility for the Charity Commission's broader volunteering register.
What the charity sector is asking for
Sector bodies including the Charity Retail Association have called for further business rates relief for charity shops, which already receive a mandatory 80 per cent relief in England under the Local Government Finance Act 1988. The argument is that the structural costs other than rates (National Insurance, energy, minimum wage uplifts) have outpaced the rate relief over the past two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find my nearest remaining shop?
Cancer Research UK publishes a shop locator on its website that is updated as closures take effect. Postal donation and online giving channels remain available.
What happens to my Gift Aid declaration?
Gift Aid declarations are held by the charity centrally and not by individual branches, so they are unaffected by shop closures. Donors do not need to renew.
Can I still drop off donations?
Yes at any remaining branch. Some branches also accept donations by post for higher-value items. The British Heart Foundation and Oxfam run home collection services.
Will the charity reduce research funding because of shop closures?
Charity Commission data shows shop net income is one of several funding streams. Closing loss-making branches typically protects research budgets rather than reducing them.
How We Verified
Shop closure figures and the wider charity retail context were cross-checked against Charity Commission filings, public statements from Cancer Research UK and Barnardo's, and Charity Retail Association sector data. Gift Aid information was verified against HMRC guidance.
