The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has announced that two of its Dorset retail outlets will close permanently by March 2027. The shops affected are the charity’s High Street branch in Christchurch and the Home Store on Ashley Road, Parkstone.
National review with local consequences
The Dorset closures form part of a larger programme: the BHF has said 87 shops are facing closure now, with 150 closures planned over the next two financial years following a review of its retail operation. The review also proposes reductions in the central teams that support the charity’s shops.
In its statement the charity cited rising costs and changing customer habits as key reasons some shops are no longer viable. The BHF said the decision is intended to protect its core mission of funding research into cardiovascular disease.
"Our shops mean so much to our colleagues, brilliant volunteers and communities across the UK... Like most retailers, we are facing an exceptionally challenging trading environment," said Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation.
What this means for Dorset communities
Local volunteers and staff at the Christchurch and Parkstone outlets will be directly affected by the closures. While exact local staffing changes were not disclosed, the charity emphasised its appreciation for those who have supported its retail operation.
- Both shops are slated to close permanently by March 2027.
- The review could reduce central retail support functions as well as local outlets.
- The charity says retail income helps fund research into cardiovascular disease, which still affects many people in the UK.
Cardiovascular disease remains a significant public health issue: the BHF notes it affects more than eight million people in the UK, and that someone dies from it every three minutes. The charity frames the shop closures as a difficult step to sustain its research funding.
Numbers at a glance
| Figure | Detail |
|---|---|
| 87 | Shops announced for closure in the current round |
| 150 | Planned shop closures over the next two financial years |
| March 2027 | Latest date by which the Dorset shops will close |
Local customers who use the Christchurch and Parkstone shops as donation or volunteering points will need to find alternatives. The charity has not outlined plans for redeployment or support for affected volunteers in Dorset; affected individuals should contact the BHF for further information.
The closures follow a wider trend among charities and retailers grappling with higher operating costs and shifting consumer behaviour. For Dorset residents who rely on charity shops for affordable goods, volunteer opportunities or as a local fundraising resource, these proposals will reduce options in the boroughs concerned.
