Britain’s high streets face a turbulent period ahead, with over 150 shop closures pencilled in for 2026. The casualties span banks, fashion outlets and a host of other businesses, signalling major upheaval for consumers and employees alike. From household names to beloved local favourites, these shutdowns underscore the persistent difficulties plaguing the retail landscape.
Numerous retailers cite escalating expenses, particularly increased National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises, as key factors forcing them to pull down the shutters. Business rates remain another pressing worry, and many consumers choose to purchase online in this day and age. Now, a favourite high street charity shop, Cancer Research UK, which currently has 600 shops, has announced the closure of 88 of them this year.
Cancer Research shops are a popular place for browsing vintage items while knowing your purchase supports a good cause, but the charity revealed in October that it would shut 88 shops by May 2026.
The organisation has put this down to escalating operational expenses and shifting shopping habits.
The two-year programme could result in “up to 100 more” outlets closing by April 2027, trimming its portfolio to approximately 320 shops.
However, it’s not entirely about retrenchment. The charity intends to launch 12 ‘superstores’ by 2028 in retail parks.
List of Cancer Research stores closing in towns and cities
Aberdeen
Airdrie
Balham
Ballymena
Banbury
Barnstaple
Belfast Bloomfield
Biggleswade
Birkenhead
Birmingham
Bognor
Bolton
Bradford
Burton On Trent
Chesham
Clevedon
Clevedon
Clydebank
Coatbridge
