Cancer Research UK has announced plans to close 88 of its High Street shops across the UK by May 2026 as the initial phase of a significant retail overhaul. This move will impact nearly half of the charity’s approximately 600 outlets, including one in Somerset.
The decision comes in response to rising operational costs such as increased national insurance contributions, inflation pressures, and evolving consumer behavior. By reducing its number of shops, the charity aims to maintain financial viability while continuing to fund vital cancer research.
An interactive map has been made available for the public to identify which local stores are affected. The first wave of closures includes locations from Aberdeen to Workington, covering major cities and smaller towns alike.
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In total, 188 shops are planned to close over the next two years, with 88 by May 2026 and a further 100 by April 2027. This will affect around 600 staff members and up to 3,000 volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting the charity’s mission.
Cancer Research UK has committed to assisting those affected by offering support in finding new employment or volunteering opportunities. Moreover, the charity plans to discontinue its online marketplace at the beginning of 2026.
Looking ahead, the organisation aims to open twelve new ‘superstores’ by 2028. These larger retail spaces, typically located in retail parks, are about four times bigger than standard High Street shops. Currently, Cancer Research UK operates around 46 such superstores, which are expected to enhance operational efficiency and funding for research.
Chief Executive Michelle Mitchell stated, “Without action, many of our shops would struggle to remain viable. By focusing on a smaller, more efficient retail operation, we can enhance our funding for life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff, and volunteers. We understand this news may be difficult, but our priority is to support everyone affected through this transition.”
Full list of the 88 shops scheduled for closure includes: Aberdeen (19 Rosemount Viaduct), Airdrie (5 Bank Street), Balham (168 Balham High Road), Ballymena (49 Ballymoney Street), Banbury (9 Parsons Street), Barnstaple (Gammon Walk), Belfast Bloomfield (17 Bloomfield Avenue), Biggleswade (24 High Street), Birkenhead (Borough Pavement), Birmingham Erdington (245 High Street), Bognor (1-2 Clock Walk), Bolton (6 Newport Street), Bradford (34-36 Ivegate), Burton on Trent (25 Station St), Chesham (34 High Street), Clevedon (1 Station Road), Clydebank (23 Sylvania Way South), Coatbridge (20-22 Main Street), Cotteridge Birmingham (20 Watford Road), Crewe (10 Market Street), Derby (826 Osmaston Road), Dewsbury (22 Longcauseway), Dudley (258 Castle Street), East Barnet (276 East Barnet Road), Edinburgh Corstorphine (9-10 Ormiston Terrace), Epping (197 High Street), Fakenham (26 Market Place), Falkirk (18 Vicar Street), Galashiels (55 High Street), Gillingham (90 High Street), Glasgow (420-424 Victoria Road), Gosport (98 High Street), Gravesend (34 New Road), Halesowen (79 High Street), Harrogate (24A Oxford Street), Hazel Grove Stockport (129B-C London Road), Hemel Hempstead (101 Marlowes), High Wycombe (8 Church Street), Hornchurch (8 Station Lane), Keswick (24 Main Street), Kings Lynn (61 High Street), Lancaster (54-54A Market Street), Leeds (28 L&S Lane), Lincoln (254 High Street), Lisburn (4 Smithfield Square), Louth (20 Market Place), Ludlow (3 Castle Street), Maidenhead (101 High Street), Maidstone (19 Gabriels Hill), Market Drayton (27 High Street), Melton Mowbray (6 South Parade), Merthyr Tydfil (14 Graham Way), Mill Hill (37 The Broadway), Moreton (242 Hoylake Road), Newark (26 Stodman Street), Newcastle Under Lyme (19 Ironmarket), Northwood (38 Green Lane), Paddock Wood (5 Commercial Road), Penrith (10 Angel Lane), Perth (27 Scott Street), Redditch (4 Market Place), Redruth (71 Fore Street), Retford (25 Carolgate), Ross On Wye (11 Market Place), Rotherham (74 Effingham Street), Rushden (22 High Street), Selby (40A Gowthorpe), Sevenoaks (137 High Street), Shrewsbury (9 High Street), Sidmouth (19 Fore Street), Skipton (91 Caroline Square), Slough (8 Park Street), Southend on Sea (5 Warrior House), St Ives (6 High Street), Stalybridge (44A Grosvenor Road), Stockport (26 Princes Street), Stoke Plymouth (44 Devonport Road), Swansea (19 Union Street), Swindon (28 Havelock Street), Tiverton (15 Bampton Street), Urmston (16 Station Road), Welling (26C Bellegrove Road), Welwyn Garden City (20 Howardsgate), West Bromwich (203 High Street), Whitby (70 Baxtergate), Wick (36 Bridge Street), Wigston (6 Bell Street), Workington (26-32 Murray Road).