Hartlepool's British Heart Foundation among 150 closing nationwide
A charity shop in Hartlepool is closing its doors the public as operating costs rise and consumer habits change.
The British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) home store, in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, is one of around 150 shops nationwide that will be closing within the next two years as the charity makes moves to ensure its retail network “remains commercially sustainable” and continues to “generate vital funds for lifesaving research”.
This comes just 16 months after its fashion shop closed, also in Middleton Grange, back in March 2025.
The decision follows a review of BHF’s retail estate as operating costs continue to rise and consumer habits change, meaning many of its stores are no longer financially sustainable.
BHF bosses have proposed closing around 90 stores by the end of March 2027 and the remainder by March 2028.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, BHF’s chief executive, said: “Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK.
"They are places where people come together to donate, shop and volunteer, helping to make a real difference to lives affected by cardiovascular disease.
“We know this will be a difficult time for our dedicated colleagues and volunteers in affected stores, and we emphasise our deep appreciation and gratitude for all they have done for BHF and the communities they serve.
“Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment.
"Cardiovascular disease remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and our priority is funding research to save lives.
"We must take the difficult step to close some of our shops to sustain retail’s important contribution to funding BHF’s ground-breaking research.”
Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF’s chief commercial officer, said: “Our success to date has been shaped by the dedication and contribution of our teams across the UK and this has been an incredibly difficult decision following a thorough and careful review.
"We recognise how challenging this will be especially for colleagues whose roles are affected and we are committed to supporting everyone impacted.
“We must act now to ensure a sustainable future for BHF retail.”
Supporters will still be able to shop as normal and donate items while affected shops remain open.
The exact date of the Hartlepool home shop closure is not known.