High street charity shop chain to shut 77 stores in fresh wave of closures (Image: Getty)
In a crushing blow to the UK’s high streets, the disability charity is contemplating closing nearly half its stores.
Reports from Third Sector indicate that the disability charity might close 77 of its 138 shops due to and soaring costs.
Chief executive Mark Hodgkinson has acknowledged the significant role of the charity’s retail sector in generating crucial funds but admits that external pressures have “made trading harder”.
He remarked: “There’s a lot more of us doing online shopping, and that means, in some cases, there’s . There’s also actually more competition online in the pre-loved retail market, too.”
It comes just months after the charity shop bid farewell to one of its shops in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
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The charity shop chain is a pillar of many UK high streets (Image: Getty)
Local publication The Comet reported that Scope vacated the unit in October 2024 after years of service to the community.
It was just one of 22 underperforming sites to close in 2024, along with a branch in Worcester, which closed in May.
Dozens more could follow as the charity boss highlighted the challenges of rising expenses such as rent, utilities, and wages. A full list of stores earmarked for closure is yet to be revealed though currently, all 138 sites remain at risk.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The charity experienced a silver lining with a 75% boost in e-commerce sales in 2023/24, amounting to an extra £1.2million compared to the previous year.
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It meant two new shops were opened while mass closures occurred nationwide. Six more new sites are planned, with locations yet to be confirmed.
News of the Scope closures won’t surprise many consumers who have witnessed a series of closures on their local high streets.
Many beloved shops are shutting down due to reduced foot traffic and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, leading to decreased discretionary spending.
Data from the Centre for Retail Research reveals that in 2024, 13,479 stores were closed, resulting in over 169,000 retail job losses.
The trend has continued into 2025, with WHSmith, Monki, Currys and Millets all announcing closures.
Furthermore, several retailers have cautioned that the October budget, which saw an increase in employer National Insurance contributions, may force them to hike prices and potentially decrease their number of outlets.