Cancer Research UK closing almost 200 charity shops as customers ‘not surprised’

Almost 200 Cancer Research UK high street charity shops are set to close over the course of the next 18 months, but many Brits believe they know the real reason why

Charity shop fans have been rocked by the news that one of the high street’s most popular names is set to close almost 200 of its branches across the country in 2026. The charity, which formed following the merging of The Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, currently has more than 600 shops in 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.”

However, there is some good news, as the charity says it plans to open 12 new out-of-town superstores over the next two years.

In a TikTok video, one charity shop fan and reseller debated whether the move comes as a surprise. “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 of Cancer Research UK’s actions.

Pointing out that shops get “way more donations” than they used to, Kev alleged that with prices increasing at a greater rate than income being generated, it means items simply aren’t selling.

Instead, 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 hit out: “Too expensive in my opinion. People want a bargain and not paying next to new prices for 2nd hand!”

Another person shared their experience: “£6 for a Primark T-shirt that was £4 new.”

A third added: “Not shocking at all. They all put crazy prices on things and the only people who do well are resellers.”

Whilst a fourth TikTok user admitted: “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 a scenario they’d witnessed, writing: “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.”

The move has left charity shop expert, Danielle, confused however, as she pointed out that sales of that the demand for second-hand clothing is 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 asked. “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 closed by suggesting competition from online resale apps may have contributed to the charity shops’ downfall – though this maybe partly in fault of the shops themselves.

“The charity shops are putting themselves in competition with Vinted because of their pricing,” she stated. “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, said of the closure plans: “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.”