High Street giant begins shop closures – 190 UK stores to shut | UK | News
An iconic British charity is set to close 190 stores across the UK as part of a major restructuring program blamed on rising costs and changing shopping habits. Cancer Research UK confirmed today that it is closing its Aberdeen branch in Rosemount Viaduct as part of the overhaul, with 190 stores set to disappear from the high street by 2027.
The Aberdeen closure is part of the first wave of 90 store closures expected to be completed by the end of this month. The charity first announced the change to retail in October 2025, warning of mounting financial pressures facing high street operations across Britain. Nine Scottish stores were included in the first round of closures; Branches in Falkirk, Airdrie, Galashiels, Clydebank and Glasgow have already closed completely. Stores in Perth, Coatbridge and Edinburgh are also expected to close later this month. Cancer Research UK said a further 100 stores would close by April 2027 as part of its long-term restructuring plan. The charity said stores were selected for closure based on financial performance, lease agreements and their geographical location within the wider retail network.
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The organization stated that increasing operational costs and inflationary pressures put increasing pressure on profitability.
The charity also pointed to changing consumer behaviour, falling footfall on Britain’s high streets and increasing competition from online resale platforms as key reasons behind the closures.
He warned that without intervention, many stores would lose money.
Cancer Research UK also closed its online marketplace earlier this year; This means it will no longer sell second-hand items through external resale websites.
The charity described the changes as a response to the “evolving external and retail environment” affecting the sector.
Despite the closures, Cancer Research UK said it would continue operating with 320 higher-performing stores across the UK.
Cancer Research UK is closing 190 stores across the UK (Image: In pictures via Getty Images)
The organization is also expanding its retail presence outside the city and plans to open 12 new stores aimed at consumers looking for larger, value-oriented retail spaces.
The restructuring program is expected to provide an additional £12.4 million for scientific research over the next five years.
Michelle Mitchell, the charity’s chief executive, acknowledged the impact the closures would have on staff, volunteers and local communities.
“Without action, we anticipate many of our stores will become unprofitable.”
He added that a smaller, high-performance retail operation would enable the charity to raise more funds for life-saving cancer research and provide better support to customers, staff and volunteers.
He said the decisions were taken as a result of comprehensive evaluations.
“This news will be difficult,” she said, adding that the charity was committed to supporting everyone affected and would provide clear information throughout the process.
Cancer Research UK thanked supporters, volunteers and staff for their ongoing contribution to fundraising and scientific work.
The organization said concentrating resources on fewer but stronger performing sites would ultimately allow more money to be directed to cancer research projects across Britain.
